BODY WORLDS, created by German anatomist and physician, Dr. Gunther von Hagens, is the original and acclaimed exhibition of real human bodies and the most successful traveling exhibit in the world, attracting more than 25 million visitors worldwide – over 125,000 in Baltimore.  At the Maryland Science Center, more than 20 whole bodies presented in unique and insightful poses offer visitors an in-depth view of the intricately designed human body, while plastinated individual organs and transparent body slices reveal comparative anatomy focusing on wellness and disease.  Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS exhibitions are the only anatomical exhibits that use donated bodies, willed by donors for the express purpose of serving BODY WORLDS’ mission to educate the public about health and anatomy through Plastination.  To date, more than 8,000 people have agreed to donate their bodies to BODY WORLDS for Plastination and for educational use in the exhibits.

BODY WORLDS 2 will be on display until September 1, with summer hours taking affect on May 23 and lasting through August 31:

     -  Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

     -  Friday through Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Maryland Science Center is located at 601 Light Street in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.  For information and tickets, visit www.marylandsciencecenter.org or call the 24-Hour Information Line at 410-685-5225, TDD: 410-962-0223.

I QUIT!
One of the many dramatic displays in Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 2: The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies at the Maryland Science Center features blackened smoker’s lungs compared to healthy lungs. This striking comparison has moved many visitors to quit smoking.  

After cleaning crews continued to find unfinished packs of cigarettes on the glass display case containing the smoker’s lung, the idea of creating a formal smoking cessation program was conceived.  “Each rejected pack marked a victory by one person against nicotine addiction,” said Dr. Angelina Whalley, a physician and designer of the BODY WORLDS exhibitions.  “Many visitors to the exhibition reported that they had tried everything but only stopped after seeing the smoker’s lung,” said Whalley.  She remembered the dramatic public service announcement by the actor Yul Brynner before his death from cancer in 1985. “I wanted to unite his message to the donor’s lungs to inspire people to give up smoking,” Whalley said. And thus, the I Quit! program was born.

The I Quit! program kicked off at the BODY WORLDS 2 exhibition at the Maryland Science Center on May __, 2008.  The interactive display, located within the exhibition, features the memorable PSA by the late actor, Yul Brynner.  Prior to his death from lung cancer, he announced on national television, “I want to make a commercial and say, now that I am gone, I tell you don’t smoke, whatever you do, just don’t smoke.”

Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 2: The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies & The Brain: Our Three Pound Gem is presented in Baltimore by LifeBridge Health.  CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an associate sponsor.