As the weather is getting colder and one can no longer ogle scantily-clad bodies on exhibition at the beach, why not enjoy them right here in Lower Manhattan? That’s right - for just $24.50, you can see clothesless bodies at the South Street Seaport. There’s just one catch: many of these bodies are also skinless. BODIES…The Exhibition is the controversial exhibit of 22 human cadavers and 260 other specimens ( i.e. fetuses, body parts, and organs) currently located on the main cobblestone street at the South Street Seaport. Housed in the new Exhibition Centre, this 32,000 square foot human anatomical showcase is drawing countless tourists and residents each day since its opening on November 19, 2005.

I was playing tour guide for my cousins visiting from South Carolina and decided a stop at the South Street Seaport was a must. After enjoying my cup of Rocky Road from Haagen-Dazs, I spotted the BODIES sign outside the Exhibition Centre. I was under the impression that this exhibit had closed in April, but much to my excitement, its run was extended through December 2006 due to its popularity. Despite the fact that we were there on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, there was practically no line at all; judging by all of the barricades set up, there usually is quite a wait - but definitely well worth it.

“A phenomenal look at the phenomena we call the human body” is the byline of the exhibition, and, boy, it truly is. You see pictures and drawings in countless science textbooks of the human anatomy, bodily systems, etc., but seeing them in-person is much more impacting and lasting. Understanding how intricate the systems are by actually seeing them with your own eyes is truly awe-inspiring. My favorite part of the exhibition - and the one that is considered so controversial that it requires a written warning on the wall - is the room that contains the fetuses. This room displays fetuses at various stages of development, injected with a dye to highlight the progression of various bodily systems. Some may view all of this as being sick and gross, but it truly changes the way you look at yourself, your body, and its ability to sustain you. It’s truly fascinating.

So where did the bodies come from? They were obtained through the Dalian Medical University of the Plastination Laboratories in the People’s Republic of China, which is known for preparing bodies for educational and scientific purposes. Currently, human specimens in medical schools in China, the United States and other countries around the world are mainly made available via donated or unidentified bodies.

With locations currently in Atlanta, Tampa Bay, London, and Las Vegas, BODIES is popping up everywhere, and I definitely recommend seeing it if you can. The official site claims, “You will leave with a greater understanding of your own physical makeup and with a deeper respect for the machine that gives you the power of life….Bodies…The Exhibition will change the way you view yourself forever.” It truly does.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 12th, 2006 at 10:34 am and is filed under New York City, Museums, Exhibits, South Street Seaport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.