Walking into BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness in Sydney, we expected to learn a thing or two about human anatomy. What we didn’t anticipate was just how much the experience would make us think about our own lives! Using real human specimens preserved through Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ pioneering plastination technique, this internationally acclaimed exhibition takes visitors beneath the surface to explore the physical processes that shape our thoughts, emotions and relationships. It’s an intimate look at what keeps us running and what gives our lives meaning. Here are some of the highlights from our visit.
23 October 2026 09:00 + more dates
The Rocks
The human body revealed
The exhibition began with the brain, introducing us to the remarkable organ behind our thoughts, memories and emotions with cross-sections of healthy and diseased brains. As we moved through the opening displays, we were drawn to the quotes from philosophers, writers and spiritual traditions that accompany the exhibits. They brought a personal dimension to the experience, encouraging us to pause and consider the big questions: What makes us happy? How much of who we are comes down to biology, and how much is shaped by the world around us?
One of the first full-body plastinates to catch our attention was The Chess Player, whose seated pose captures a moment of intense concentration. With muscles, tendons and other structures exposed in extraordinary detail, the display makes the relationship between physical form and mental activity feel tangible. Nearby, The Basketball Player offers a completely different perspective, frozen mid-dribble in a display that celebrates the mechanics of movement.
The exhibition then took us deeper into the cardiovascular system, where one of its most memorable displays reveals the intricate network of blood vessels surrounding the heart. Rather than appearing as a single, solid organ, the delicate web of vessels resembles an elaborate sculpture, demonstrating just how much complexity lies beneath our skin.
Other standouts were The Fencer, presented in three vertical sections that expose different layers of the body’s internal structure, The Hurdler, which captures the strength and coordination required for athletic movement, and The Ice Hockey Player, which highlights the power and precision involved in sport.
The science of happiness
As the exhibition progressed, the focus shifted towards longevity and the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life. One section features reflections from centenarians, people who have lived beyond 100, sharing their thoughts on happiness, health and the experiences that have mattered most to them.
The science behind our emotions is explored in greater detail through displays examining the digestive system, lifestyle choices and chemical messengers. We particularly enjoyed learning about dopamine, often called the reward chemical, which helps regulate motivation, pleasure and reward-driven behaviour, and serotonin, which plays a key role in mood, emotional stability, self-esteem and our sense of belonging. The displays explore how everyday habits can support our body’s production and regulation of these chemicals, reminding us that our choices have a huge influence on how we feel.
A miracle grain of rice
Among the exhibition’s most thought-provoking installations is a wall covered in grains of rice, each representing a sperm cell; one red grain marks the sperm that contributed to your existence. Standing in front of it, you can’t help but reflect on the extraordinary chain of events that had to unfold for you to be here at all! A dedicated section on reproduction adds further context, explaining the biological processes behind the creation of new life.
What will you do before you die?
Towards the end of the exhibition, we were invited to complete the sentence, “Before I die, I want to…” on a shared wall. The responses ranged from light-hearted wishes to deeply personal goals. Reading them was a lovely reminder that many of us are working towards similar things: finding connection, pursuing our passions and making the most of the time we have.
Our visit to BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness in Sydney left us with plenty to think about, from the extraordinary complexity of our internal systems to the small, everyday things that can influence our happiness. The combination of real human specimens, accessible science and moments of personal reflection makes it a genuinely memorable experience. If you’re looking for something in Sydney that will teach you something new while encouraging you to look at life from a different perspective, we’d recommend adding this exhibition to your list.
BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness
23 October 2026 09:00 + more dates
The Rocks
