I’m a big fan of classic horror movies. The real stuff—not this slasher, hacker, and zombie mayhem mess that is all the rage these days. I’m talking black-and-white Wolf Man and Dracula, grave-robbing and family-curse stuff.
I never really liked Frankenstein movies, though, I always kind of feel sorry for the monster. He—and sometimes she—didn’t ask to get pieced together with other folks’ body parts. Whatever it is that turns me off about Frankenstein is probably at the root of why I’ve never been attracted to any of the "Body Worlds"-type exhibits.
Speaking of which, "Body Worlds & The Brain" is currently on exhibit at the Saint Louis Science Center. I checked out the new exhibit during an event on the eve of its opening. Yes, I found it a bit creepy, but it was more educational than outlandish.
The exhibit consists of our body stripped of its shield of skin and on display. The bodies—donated to "Body Worlds" by willing participants—are not just standing or sitting. Some are displayed doing yoga. There's also a skateboarder, as well as a baseball player. You can see just how much of a miracle it is for us to do something as simple as throw a baseball.
Of course, I realize that these people did not die while taking part in a recreational activity; the bodies have been twisted and contorted to permanent positions. That turns off some St. Louisans, to a point that they would never want to see the exhibit. That is understandable. After all, I wasn’t thrilled about the exhibit until I saw it.
Along with bodies, there are human organs on display. There is a full brain with an attached spinal cord. In one glass case, you see the things that are most critical to human survival. In one of those Twilight Zone moments, I realized I was looking at a brain—and filtering the information through my own brain. (The brain still remains mostly a mystery to us; its biggest secret might be how it remains so perplexing to us, even as we look at it on exhibit.)
The exhibit might be a bit much for younger children, but it isn’t that bad. If you have any interest in how your body works, then you might want to take you and your brain. I’m sure it will enjoy it.
The "Body Worlds & The Brain" exhibit costs $20 for adults and $13 for children. Saint Louis Science Center members pay $15 for adults and $11 for children.
Commentary by Alvin Reid
