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Anatomist's Body to Be Plastinated Posthumously
27 Jul
Summary
- Gunther von Hagens' body will be plastinated as per his wishes.
- He developed plastination to preserve bodies for display.
- The Body Worlds exhibitions reached over 50 million visitors globally.
Gunther von Hagens, the visionary anatomist behind the globally recognized Body Worlds exhibitions, has died at the age of 81. His institute confirmed on Monday, July 27, 2026, that his body will indeed be plastinated, fulfilling a long-held wish. Von Hagens, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2008, passed away on July 24, 2026, after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage.
He developed the unique technique of plastination in 1977, a process that replaces bodily fluids with resins and epoxies to preserve tissues permanently. This innovation allowed for the creation of lifelike displays, including sliced specimens and bodies posed in dynamic activities. The Body Worlds exhibitions, co-curated with his second wife Angelina Whalley, aimed to demystify anatomy and confront societal taboos surrounding death and the human body.
Despite facing criticism for potentially titillating displays, von Hagens maintained that all bodies were donated with explicit consent for educational purposes. His public persona, often described as a blend of 'evil scientist' and 'ghoulish pathologist,' contributed to public intrigue surrounding his work. As Parkinson's disease advanced, he transferred his duties to his wife and son, Rurik.
