Charlotte, NC

Have you ever wondered what you looks like inside? Maybe, if you’re a runner or exercise enthusiast, you’d like to know how your efforts affect your body.

With a special exhibit that began June 13, Discovery Place offers visitors the chance to view the human body in an amazingly-different manner. Called Body Worlds: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies, the exhibit by anatomist Gunther von Hagens features real human bodies that are preserved by a process called plastination. These bodies, in various everyday and athletic poses, show the muscular and skeletal structures as they react to a given activity. While most think of it as being a bit “weird” or “grotesque” upon hearing about the exhibit, a single visit convinces the skeptic that, in fact, this is an interesting study because it offers a unique opportunity to see the human body like never before.

Its aim is to educate the public about the care of the body by showing the effects of both poor and good health as well as lifestyle choices — and to do so by showing the natural musculature, bone structure and movement effects of the human body.

The anatomist who created the exhibit has already been under fire for producing an autopsy on British TV in 2002 as well as a highly controversial depiction of Christ’s crucifixion, using a body preserved by the same plastinetic method. Still, his exhibit has aroused the curiosity of thousands of visitors worldwide, and has broadened the understanding of human anatomy.

But if this type of “natural” isn’t your cup of tea, there’s always Mother Nature’s exciting offerings. They’re found in the popular Nature Museum, near Freedom Park (see earlier post) and part of the Discovery Place project. Here — among the live, active bodies of healthy rangers and patrons, one can discover the beauty of the outdoors in a serene setting that’s flavored with live-animal exhibits, a butterfly pavilion (and it’s amazing how lovely and large those rascals can become!), hands-on exhibits, a puppet show and, of course, a wonderful nature trail! In fact, kids can enroll in the “Creature Feature Kid’s Club”, which meets once a month and features crafts, storytelling, puppet shows and refreshments. It’s no wonder this place has been a favorite attraction for thousands of area children over the years.

Upcoming events include a Birds of Prey Day on July 21, when kids can learn about the various “big birds” like falcons and hawks, and Petspalooza on August 18, when the Museum teams up with local humane shelters to teach children how to choose the right family pet as well as how to care for them.

So, whether you’re a high-school biology major, a rambunctuous, animal-loving kid needing something to do or just simply “curious”, the Discovery Place duo can provide some awesome sights and sounds just for you!

If you’re not from around these parts, c’mon down and sit a spell with us. Our door’s always open …

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