Fascinating exhibit coming soon

On Wednesday we announced that our special visiting exhibit this summer will be Our Body: The Universe Within. So far, we've had lots of people very, very interested in seeing it. It's not often that an exhibit featuring actual human bodies is on display in Saskatchewan -- in fact, this is the first time ever.

There are at least three different companies that I know of who produce exhibits like this one, so even if you haven't heard of Our Body, most people are aware that these exhibits are out there. It isn't as shocking as it was a few years ago.

Most people that I have spoken to are intrigued, although yes some are grossed out or somewhat uncomfortable with it. And, that's fair. These are real people and this isn't stuff we're used to seeing. But, these are real people who no longer need their bodies anymore, and I'm personally very grateful and thankful to them that what they don't need anymore can now be used for education. The exhibit will be presented in an environment that is respectful, artful and educational. From my research on the internet and from what I've gathered from other places that have hosted this, medical professionals in particular have been quite happy to have access to real specimens instead of sculpted models.

I've posted about the exhibit on my personal Facebook page and I've enjoyed the reactions. Here are a few of the comments:

cool. make sure to let us know when!
freaky
Eww. But neat. But eww!
I always wanted to see that..
Awesome. I can't wait.
Its a pretty neat experience. Definitely pretty morbid!
That show is amazing...GO SEE IT!
It's so cool, I might even see it again when we get there.

The third one is my favourite! I think if you add another "neat!" in there and a vow to see it, it's basically my reaction too.

This exhibit is also definitely okay for children. There is no charge for children 5 and under, although they are welcome. We do have a family packet for download that people will also be able to pick up from the front desk that will help prepare their kids for the exhibit. Our Frequently Asked Questions page also addresses this:

The teaching of basic human anatomy and physiology are hallmarks in any child’s education. We recommend that children attend the exhibition with a teacher or parent as an adult guide. We feel strongly that the exhibition can offer a rare family experience: A golden opportunity to open a child’s eyes—and, in a way no textbook ever could, to teach them about the complexities of the human body and the necessity of proper nutrition, regular activity and the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, such as avoiding smoking and alcohol.

The exhibit won't be here for a month yet, but there are a few more photos in the Flickr set if you'd like a look, and once the exhibit is here I'll add more as I always do.

Also, check out the commercial done for this exhibit while it was in Orlando a couple of years ago:

And here is a news report from Kitchener, where it's currently in its last week before it begins the journey to Regina:

Stay curious,
Collette