Gunther von Hagens, creator of Body Worlds, has died

The recently deceased anatomist Gunther von Hagens gained international fame through his ‘Body Worlds’ exhibitions. Over nearly three decades, the displays have been viewed by 58 million people across 170 cities and 42 countries.

Von Hagens utilized a preservation process known as plastination, which involves replacing body fluids and fats with synthetic polymers. This technique allows for the creation of ‘Gestaltplastinat’ (full-body specimens in specific poses) or ‘Scheibenplastinat’ (tissue slices between glass). The exhibition has sparked cultural discussions regarding the relationship between anatomical preservation and historical traditions of relic veneration.