Bodies: The Science Within

Disclaimer: Our visit to Bodies: The Science Within was hosted, however all opinions and photography are my own.

Have you ever wondered just how the human body works? 

Thanks to a new exhibition in Denver, you can learn all about how our bodies function.

Bodies: The Science Within recently opened at Denver Pavilions, and let me tell you, this is like no exhibition you've seen before. 

What makes Bodies: The Science Within so special, I hear you ask? All those bodies on display - they're real! Every organ, muscle, bone, ligament... they're all real and perfectly preserved through a process known as plastination. 

Wondering just what plastination is? Read on to learn more about this fascinating process and the exhibition it has made possible.

A word of warning first... If you're a little squeamish when it comes to seeing blood and guts, this may not be the post for you, but if you're fascinated by human anatomy, read on!

Now, I'm no scientist, but in general terms, plastination is a scientific preservation technique that allows for the study of the human body in a long lasting manner. Water and lipids in the biological tissue are removed and replaced with polymers which preserve anatomical structures exactly as they are in life. The body parts are real, but they're also kind of plastic. This process allows bodies to be studied long term without the need for refrigeration. This makes for a great study tool for medical and scientific students - or the general public wanting to learn more about how our bodies work!

Each of the eight bodies and over one hundred organs on display at this exhibition have been preserved through plastination, and it is truly fascinating getting a glimpse inside of the human body.

The full bodies on display are posed in various active poses that show off how our muscles work while 

playing sports, running or sitting. Some feature the full body on display, while others have various parts, such as the top of the skull or ribcage removed to show what is going on underneath. Alongside each of the bodies on display visitors will find informative signage in both English and Spanish. These signs provide further detail about just what we're looking at at. The anatomical diagrams, in particular, are especially helpful. 

But it's not all full bodies on display. Each room of the exhibition is dedicated to a different function of the human body and you'll find full and dissected organs on display in showcases throughout. These displays, while not as showy as the full bodies, make understanding how each organ and body part works a little easier. It's one thing to see a lung as a whole organ, but seeing it stripped down to expose the tree-link bronchi inside is something else. 

As I mentioned earlier, the exhibition is full of informative signage. These signs really help to understand just what you're looking at as you make your way throughout the space. The anatomical diagrams, in particular, are especially helpful, and the "Did you know..." facts found in each room make for a great way to discuss what you're seeing with friends and family. 

Bodies: The Science Within is on display at Denver Pavilions, 500 16th Street, Denver. You will find the exhibition on the second floor.

Bodies is open daily from 11am to 7pm and runs through September 20th 2026.

Tickets can be purchased online at bodiestour.com.

Weekend pricing (Fridays through Sunday) is $36 for adults (ages 16+), $17 for kids (ages 5 - 15), and $31 for seniors (ages 65+), veterans and students (with valid ID). Discounted pricing is available on weekdays. 

The exhibition is wheelchair and stroller friendly.

Expect to spend between sixty and ninety minutes exploring the exhibition. 

Paid parking is available at Denver Pavilions.