‘Body Worlds’ opens – as virus fear closes OMSI

Here’s why novel COVID-19 coronavirus concerns caused this exhibit, teaching about the human body, to close for a while shortly after it opened …

After being open for a week, the BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life exhibition is closed for the time being, as is all of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton

On March 7, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) hosted the Pacific Northwest debut of the Gunther von Hagens exhibition BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life.

Then, on March 14, OMSI closed its doors to the public due to COVID-19 concerns. When it will again reopen is currently uncertain.

“The health and safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers is our number one priority,” said OMSI President Nancy Stueber. “By taking this proactive step, we hope to limit exposure to this virus, and help protect our entire community – particularly those most vulnerable.”

During the brief time the new BODY WORLDS exhibit was open, visitors learned more about the human body from such exhibits as this one, called “Football Gladiators” – a plastinate display that shows the interplay between the body’s surface and intermediate muscles.

In the week it was open, the BODY WORLDS & The Cycle of Life exhibition attracted hundreds of enthusiastic visitors. Those who came gained a better understanding of the human life cycle, capturing the body at every stage – at its most healthy; and as it changes, grows, matures, and finally wanes – by studying the 100 full-body plastinates (preserved human bodies).

“The exhibit will still be here at OMSI through September 13. Check our website [CLICK HERE] for updated information, including when we will again be open,” OMSI spokesperson John Farmer told East Portland News.

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