Body Worlds, Amsterdam
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Body Worlds - by Management
Description
Body Worlds Amsterdam features more than 200 anatomical specimens of real human bodies preserved through the process of plastination - a technique that consists in replacing fat and water by plastics so that the specimens do not decay (or smell). The current theme in Amsterdam is named The Happiness Project and focuses on the effects of happiness on our well-being. Note: there are a lot of ethical and legal issues surrounding the concept of exhibiting the body of dead persons and this review is not an endorsement (our views are expressed in the conclusion section). Instead, it is an excellent opportunity to read more about it and make up your mind. The "Body World" entry in Wikipedia is a good place to start.
Access & Transport
Address: Damrak 66, 1012 LM Amsterdam The building is 250m northeast of Dam Square along Damrak. The closest tram station is Damrak (4, 14, 24) and there are several bus services stopping by as well.
Instructions & Recommendations
It is recommended to book tickets online to ensure availability at the desired time Parents intending to visit with children should also evaluate the impact of the rather graphic representations of the human body. This activity is close to several other attractions such as Dam Square and the Royal Palace, the Old Church (De Oude Kerk) and the Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder museum.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally marginally negative due to the electricity consumption. Socially / Ethically negative as a concept and in practice (sourcing of bodies is also an issue).
Conclusion
Body Worlds Amsterdam is without a doubt impressive, if not shocking for many visitors. It certainly is one of the best venues to discover more about the human body but in an age of virtual reality, computer models and 3D printing the whole idea of exhibiting dead bodies has, in our opinion, become extremely difficult to justify since new technologies can achieve the same educational objectives. The obvious for-profit aspect reinforces our position that this is not an activity we would recommend.
Key positive
Good opportunity to learn more about the human body
Key negative
Ethically questionnable
Expensive considering the content
Suitability
Parents should evaluate the suitability of this attraction for their children. No access problem for visitors with mobility issues (lift to floors) except for the basement.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Monday10:00 - 22:00
Tuesday10:00 - 22:00
Wednesday10:00 - 22:00
Thursday10:00 - 22:00
Friday10:00 - 22:00
Saturday10:00 - 22:00
Sunday10:00 - 22:00