New 'Our Body' Exhibit Similar to MOSI's 'Bodies'
Local art lovers who choose to venture to Orange County and visit the Orlando Science Center will realize that when it comes to their bodies, it's what's on the inside that counts.
"Our Body: The Universe Within," the Center's new exhibit that runs through July of next year, grasps the viewer's mind while it showcases 200 anatomical specimens, 20 of which are real, complete, human bodies.
A similar technique was used on the popular but controversial Tampa Museum of Science and Industry exhibit, "Bodies," that ended its run in September.
The MOSI exhibit caused quite a stir when ethical questions arose over the origins of the bodies and whether the deceased knew their organs would be used as part of an art show. But thousands of visitors still flocked to see the show for themselves.
Now, the crowds are expected to make an appearance at the Orlando Science Center.
The museum doubles as a classroom as the organs and bodies are showcased in an educational manner, some twisted and distorted to simulate real day-to-day functions, such as bike riding and flexing, alongside textbook-worthy information.
Those who question what's beneath their flesh, the toughness of their skull, why their heart beats swiftly, and even what an unborn child looks like in the womb should come to the exhibit with an inquisitive mind that's ready to ingest realistic imagery at touching distance.
All the bodies have their skin removed for an even closer look at what's really beneath the surface, a privilege only doctors and scientists are normally allowed.
The bodies, specimens and organs have been preserved using a process known as polymer impregnation, which replaces bodily fluids with special polymers that prevent decay and decomposition, according to the Orlando Science Center.
The exhibit costs $5 million to design and maintain for touring and is expected to attract 400,000 visitors during its run. Orlando Science Center officials say the display already caused attendance to triple in November compared to last year's numbers.
Jeff Stanford, director of public relations for the Orlando Science Center, said this is the worldwide premiere for "Our Body," which will then tour other venues. A similar exhibit will open in Detroit in January.
Dr. Brian Tonner, president and CEO of the Orlando Science Center, said the museum started planning to showcase "Our Body" more than a year ago, when Tampa was presenting a similar show.
The Center was seeking to attract an older, sophisticated and inquiring audience, yet it also wanted to provide educational tools necessary to attract students and families who want a deeper understanding of their inner workings.
"This would be the exhibit that would describe the reason why an exhibit like this is important," said Stanford. "The study of people's anatomy has been affecting people's views for years and has changed greatly over the centuries."
Stanford said the exhibit seeks to educate as well as impress by highlighting the anatomical studies of great thinkers of the past, such as those from the earliest studies by Galen based on animal models to modern anatomical studies by Versalius.
"Western Civilization prohibited the study of human anatomy, so a lot of things were done by pure research, guesswork and the study of animals," said Stanford. "That affected women and children."
Once visitors step inside and are ready to study how history affected the study of the human body, they'll be greeted by a comprehensive introduction area with information that dates to the dawn of the Roman Empire up to today, alongside chosen scrawls from viewers awed by what they witnessed. One stand-out comment: a young girl's written vow to never smoke in response to blackened lungs in the exhibit.
Stanford said these are the types of reactions they expect from viewers, who can also leave a digital postcard with their picture and comments as they exit the exhibit, which will then become a permanent part of the show for all to see.
"One of the things we look for people to take away is a realization of the complexity and beauty of the human anatomy and how unique, beautiful and different each of us are," he said. " People who see this exhibit realize that every heart and every shoulder is unique. We want to capture their reactions."
"Micro World," a cutting-edge display that features intensely magnified images of healthy skin versus diseased skin, helps the viewer understand the effects of specific skin diseases and what it takes to stay healthy.
Another part of the exhibit showcases the results and causes of heart disease and smoking to the lungs.
"People need to take a better appreciation of how much care the body deserves," said Stanford.
Stanford said although the exhibit's material is graphic, families are urged to attend with their children.
"Leonardo's Library," another first for this type of show, provides a family-friendly lounge with couches, tables and chairs where kids and adults alike can lounge, look at picture books and discuss a little bit of science.
"It gives families a place to sit down with the kids," he said. "It promotes dialogue between parents and children."
Yet it's up to the parents if they choose to lead their children through the black curtains toward the natal section, which posts a warning about the intense visuals.
This part of the exhibit showcases the effects of certain birth defects on twins and presents unborn babies in different stages.
Stanford said even though some parts of the show might shake up viewers, the museum staff hopes those who experience it will leave with a deeper appreciation of the body's mystery, its value as a form of art, the beauty and complexity of its major systems and how the decisions made in science then and today affect society.
For Orlando resident Jared Morales, 22, the exhibit proved to be an educational experience.
"I thought it was pretty cool, the displays in the wall were important," he said. "I came here for this."
His friend Mandy Holland, 18, an Orlando resident, also liked it, despite previous hesitations to experience it.
"It made me understand the human body better," she said. "It was quite a learning experience."
Aurora Rodriguez can be reached at aurora.rodriguez@theledger.com or at 863-802-7539.
WHAT: "Our Body: The Universe Within" WHEN: Through July 2007. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. WHERE: 777 East Princeton St., Orlando. COST: $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and students, $20 for youth (ages 3-11) PHONE: 407-514-2000 or 888-OSC-4FUN WEB: www.osc.org