(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – No bones about it! The South Florida Science Center is announcing the fall blockbuster exhibit, Real Bodies: The Exhibition presented by the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation. Opening September 28, 2020, the exhibit will be on display until April 11, 2021.
Appropriate for all ages, Real Bodies goes beyond skin deep to reveal the mysteries of human anatomy, exploring the body through physiology, culture and emotion. Visitors will tour real, preserved human bodies, digging deeper into what it means to be alive.
This powerful exhibition, produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Inc., displays 20 real, perfectly preserved human bodies and more than 200 anatomical specimens throughout 11 galleries. Each of the specimens featured in Real Bodies has been carefully and respectfully preserved by a team of experts using a scientific method known as polymer preservation, or plastination. This revolutionary process uses liquid silicon rubber to prevent the natural process of decaying.
The exhibition pushes boundaries while blending art, science and emotion. When visitors explore different systems of the body, they will see the deeper connection between breathing, hunger, heart rhythm, love, motion and thought that makes each person unique.
“We are thrilled to bring Real Bodies to Palm Beach County,” said Kate Arrizza, Science Center President and CEO. “We know our guests will love seeing the science beneath the skin and learning about human evolution through time. This is a rare opportunity to see the human body from the inside, which we hope will spark an interest in children to seek careers in science and medicine.”
The exhibition will also feature a new COVID-19 component, encouraging visitors to learn more about the pandemic’s impact on the human body. Designed by Imagine Exhibitions, Inc. in consultation with emergency medicine physicians and epidemiologists with experience in emerging infectious disease preparedness, this new content showcases the latest science-based information about the novel coronavirus.
To continue with the theme of the historical, cultural and emotional context of the human body, the exhibit addresses efforts related to treating COVID-19 as well as the effects of the pandemic on human health and the healthcare system, including the challenges workers are facing in treating and preventing the virus. Interesting facts about how it affects each of the different body systems—from respiration to digestion to circulation—and other related topics will be found throughout the exhibition. Social distancing floor decals will continue the education as will a short film that illustrates the journey of the virus inside the human body. Visitors will also experience a dramatic display of dozens of 3-D printed virus models as part of the exhibition.
“The human body is a magnificent machine capable of wonderful things, and the exhibition will showcase how amazing anatomy is,” said Kate Arrizza, President and CEO of the Science Center. “The new COVID-19 component is an excellent and timely resource that adds value to the educational impact.”
“I am excited to share with the public the amazing work that our team collaborated on to create and enhance the exhibition in an effort to answer everyday questions about COVID-19,” said CEO of Imagine Exhibitions Tom Zaller. “Our goal is to share with people the current findings about how this new virus affects the different systems of the body in an easy to digest form. The hope is that we all come out of the exhibition knowing a little more than when we went in.”
Real Bodies is presented by the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation and sponsored by Lew and Kathleen Crampton, Comcast, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Discover The Palm Beaches, Frances and Jeffrey Fisher, Gast Construction Group, Matthew and Helene Lorentzen, Northern Trust, Outfront Media, South Florida Science Center’s Board of Trustees, Christine and Robert Stiller and Tobacco Free Florida.
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium, digital planetarium, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” 18-hole conservation-themed Mini Golf Course and quarter mile long outdoor science trail. The newest addition includes a $2.5 million permanent exhibit, “Journey Through the Human Brain” and features the most advanced neuroscience research and technology in the world. Safety guidelines like social distancing and mask wearing are enforced.
Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium during Real Bodies is $17.95 for adults, $13.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and $15.95 for seniors aged 60 and older. Science Center members and children under 3 are free.
For more information on Real Bodies or other Science Center programming, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.
About Imagine Exhibitions
Imagine Exhibitions is currently producing over 40 unique exhibitions globally in museums, science centers, zoos, integrated resorts, and non-traditional venues, with millions of people around the world visiting our exhibitions each year. In addition to developing successful traveling exhibitions, Imagine Exhibitions designs, opens, and operates permanent installations and venues, and consults on building, expanding, and directing museums and attractions. With decades of diverse experience in the museum and entertainment industries, Imagine Exhibitions consistently develops exhibitions that educate and excite while exceeding attendance goals. For more information, visit www.ImagineExhibitions.com or find us on Facebook.