Houston Museum Of Natural Science At 5555 Hermann Park Dr.

[Poppahop]

What happened to the historic Texas Revolution battles exhibit that used to be upstairs at the Museum of Natural Science? When I was a kid, they were my favorite things there, but when I moved back here in '97, they were gone. Anyone know where they are now?

[KimberlySayWhat]

"Body Worlds 3" made its Texas debut last week and opened to record crowds at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Just curious if any of you have attended the exhibit? I have not. That's something that's just not for me. Simply reading articles or seeing pictures of it makes me nauseated. For the last week or so, every time I go to take a bite of food, I can't help but imagine muscles and membranes. I just now ate a tortilla and thought about the billboard of the skinless corpse holding up his entire layer of skin. I don't care if it's considered art, that stuff's nasty. Other the other hand, seeing the exhibit could put me on a nice month-long diet. I've packed on about 5 pounds due to leftover Valentine candy and Girl Scout cookies.

Have you seen it in person? I'd love to hear what you thought about it. I find it fasicnating, actually, but I wouldn't go.

Edited March 4, 2006 by KimberlySayWhat

[Saddleman]

I saw the exhibit yesterday morning. It was very fascinating...but a little icky. I would highly recommend seeing it. Just don't eat before you go. It was a little unsettling to see the human body in this condition and the various positions. The full body specimans are right there. You could touch them (I'm sure your not supposed to) but most organs, bones, fetuses, and most sliced body sections are under glass. The plastinates (the whole-body specimens) are the most striking. One man is holding his own skin in one hand, another is on a cell phone, and three plasinates are at a table playing poker. There is a plastinate woman hanging upside-down while another is doing a sort of royal curtsey/bow. The biggest of the plastinates is the man on the horse. This one is the most impressive just for its shear size alone. The fetuses really made me think about my views on abortion. After seeing the diseased livers and lungs, you'll never want to smoke or drink again the rest of your life. There are lots of things I left out, so go see it for yourself. I'm glad I did. It makes you really want to lead a much healthier lifestyle.

[KimberlySayWhat]

Just don't eat before you go.

I know I wouldn't have a problem eating after.

You could touch them (I'm sure your not supposed to) but most organs, bones, fetuses, and most sliced body sections are under glass.

No, you're not supposed to. There was an interesting detailed article about the exhibit on the Houston Chronicle site, but I can't find it now.

[Parrothead]

I can't wait to go. I think I was an ME in a past life

Edited March 5, 2006 by Parrothead

[KimberlySayWhat]

I meant to ask, for those who've been, do they have pictures and information on the "plastinates" from when they were alive? I'm sure that would be a lot of interest to attendees. Like their names, where they were from, how old they were, how they died, etc.

[Saddleman]

I meant to ask, for those who've been, do they have pictures and information on the "plastinates" from when they were alive? I'm sure that would be a lot of interest to attendees. Like their names, where they were from, how old they were, how they died, etc.

No, not any that I saw.

[torvald]

there is no way i could stomach that exhibit.

seems like a quick way to aquire the ol' OCD.

or some sort of hypochondria, anyhow...

[dbigtex56]

At least these corpses are still having fun.

A previous exhibit showed clear plastic models of humans caught at the moment of death. They were made from the impressions left in the ashes by people who were killed by the eruption of Vesuvius in Pompey.

Now that was heartrending.

[KimberlySayWhat]

At least these corpses are still having fun.

A previous exhibit showed clear plastic models of humans caught at the moment of death. They were made from the impressions left in the ashes by people who were killed by the eruption of Vesuvius in Pompey.

Now that was heartrending.

I saw one of the lava covered people in the Ripley's museum in San Antonio, or maybe it was Dallas, somewhere in Texas.

I remember reading a childrens' magazine with a story and pictures of Pompey when I was little. Disturbed me.

[torvald]

At least these corpses are still having fun.

A previous exhibit showed clear plastic models of humans caught at the moment of death. They were made from the impressions left in the ashes by people who were killed by the eruption of Vesuvius in Pompey.

Now that was heartrending.

ech! sounds more like the mueseums back when PT barnum owned one...

pure nightmare fuel, i say.

[Modernceo]

I sent with a out of town guest on friday night, and when we finally made it to the museum through all the construction, etc it turned out the museum was closed for a special members only function. Man was I pissed ! It took over an hour round trip for that drive, and there was NOTHING posted on their website about their special members only function !!

[torvald]

I sent with a out of town guest on friday night, and when we finally made it to the museum through all the construction, etc it turned out the museum was closed for a special members only function. Man was I pissed ! It took over an hour round trip for that drive, and there was NOTHING posted on their website about their special members only function !!

someting similar hapened when i paid full price for 2 tickets and they forgot to mention theywere closing an hour early to have a wedding in the dinosaur room -- which seems neat but they should have mentioned that when it was only an hour away when i paid for them.

i was also irritated tough, whn they did not reduce the regular ticket price when the had a floor or more closed once for remodel a few years back... my date's main interest that day was the gem display which was closed (and should have been a warning at the time...)

whew! i'm bitter today!

[Saddleman]

I sent with a out of town guest on friday night, and when we finally made it to the museum through all the construction, etc it turned out the museum was closed for a special members only function. Man was I pissed ! It took over an hour round trip for that drive, and there was NOTHING posted on their website about their special members only function !!

Yes it was. That's why I went Friday morning instead. It was right there on the website, I was told when I called, and told again when I was purchasing my tickets.

[midtown 4.2]

I'm an exhibit designer at HMNS, and help set up the exhibit. My initial thoughts was that it was going to be gory seeing real corpses; but once the plastinates were uncrated, my first thoughts were . . .wow! these are fantastic models! I kept on having to remind myself that these were once real living human beings. It's not that sick, and it's very informative . . . more anatomy class then contemporary art. It's not intended to be art at all. This exhibit is so facinating, that I'm considering bringing my 4 1/2 year old son to view it. He has such a curious outlook on the world, that I think he will really learn a lot from this show.

[ssullivan]

I went on Saturday and loved it. I wasn't grossed out (OK, maybe the display of the entire digestive tract, from tongue to anus, all stretched out was a bit much for me) and thought it was absolutely fascinating to see what we all look like on the inside.

The exhibit isn't for everyone, but if you have any curiosity at all about human anatomy, you can't beat it.

[wendyps]

Does anyone know how he got the bodies to begin with? Do individuals will their bodies to him? Do families volunteer them? It may sound weird, but the answer to this question will determine if I go or not.

[sevfiv]

Does anyone know how he got the bodies to begin with? Do individuals will their bodies to him? Do families volunteer them? It may sound weird, but the answer to this question will determine if I go or not.

here's the official explanation

http://www.koerperwelten.de/en/pages/koerperspende.asp

[texas911]

NO way I'm going to see a bunch of dead bodies that have been mutilated. Gross. And to profit from it is even worse.

Now I do recommend seeing the Egyptian mummy exhibit. Now that is fantastic.

[sevfiv]

NO way I'm going to see a bunch of dead bodies that have been mutilated. Gross. And to profit from it is even worse.

it's not mutilation - it's edumacashun

and you know, it costs a lot to pump bodies full of acetone and plastic

in all seriousness, i am going to check it out as soon as i can

Edited March 7, 2006 by sevfiv

[KimberlySayWhat]

midtown 4.2:

I'm an exhibit designer at HMNS, and help set up the exhibit. My initial thoughts was that it was going to be gory seeing real corpses; but once the plastinates were uncrated, my first thoughts were . . .wow! these are fantastic models! I kept on having to remind myself that these were once real living human beings. It's not that sick, and it's very informative . . . more anatomy class then contemporary art. It's not intended to be art at all. This exhibit is so facinating, that I'm considering bringing my 4 1/2 year old son to view it. He has such a curious outlook on the world, that I think he will really learn a lot from this show.

What do they smell like?

Sorry, just being gross. But really, what do they smell like? And did you touch them? With or without gloves?

[midtown 4.2]

The only smell in the exhibit comes from the wax coating burning off of the brand new high intensity light bulbs. That smell should dissipate in a few days. The plastinates ARE soft . . . feels just like oily silicone. While I was setting up the exhibit, I had to hold on to some of the plastinates . . . with ungloved hands to boot!

As far as $$$'s goes, both the museum and Dr. Von Haagens institute are non-profit. The museum depends on visitors to keep it's doors open, and Von Haagen puts the monies back into furthering anatomical research and education.

I highly recommend the show. I promise that you'll leave the exhibit with a clearer understanding of your anatomy, and the effects that diseases, smoking, poor dietary habits etc. etc. will have on your organs.

[KimberlySayWhat]

midtown 4.2:

The only smell in the exhibit comes from the wax coating burning off of the brand new high intensity light bulbs. That smell should dissipate in a few days. The plastinates ARE soft . . . feels just like oily silicone. While I was setting up the exhibit, I had to hold on to some of the plastinates . . . with ungloved hands to boot!

Ewww!

I highly recommend the show. I promise that you'll leave the exhibit with a clearer understanding of your anatomy, and the effects that diseases, smoking, poor dietary habits etc. etc. will have on your organs.

That's a great and postive thing and I hope it does make people think. As for me, I take really good care of myself. I don't need to see those things in person. I'd probably get sick and embarrass myself. I vomited on the historic Battleship Texas once, I wouldn't want to do it in the HMNS. Has anyone gotten sick yet while viewing the exhibit?

[Montrose1100]

Its here till September (Thats a very long time!!)

And I'm going to see it tomorrow.

[torvald]

Ewww!

I vomited on the historic Battleship Texas once, I wouldn't want to do it in the HMNS. Has anyone gotten sick yet while viewing the exhibit?

why did you vomit on the battleship?

i've been there --- did i miss something?

[Talbot]

When I went I thought it was pretty interesting.

[KimberlySayWhat]

why did you vomit on the battleship?

i've been there --- did i miss something?

I was getting over a case of strept throat and I took my antibiotics on an empty stomach. That's what made me sick. I vomited in the water right before you step onto the bridge leading up the the battleship (I'm sure there's an appropriate term for it) and then I vomited while I was on the ship.

[Paul M.]

Does anyone know how he got the bodies to begin with? Do individuals will their bodies to him? Do families volunteer them? It may sound weird, but the answer to this question will determine if I go or not.

That doesn't sound weird to me at all, and I've been asking myself that same question ever since first learning of this exhibit.

I'm sure this is some breach of etiquette, being that this is my first post to this forum, but I feel the need to comment on what I've discovered about the Body Worlds exhibit. You can take what I have to say with a grain of salt, because I don't profess to be an expert on this matter. In fact, I've just begun to study the background information that's available from on-line sources such as media outlets and special-interest websites - which will obviously have their own viewpoints to promote - but a lot of the controversy that has been dogging Gunther Von Hagens is deeply disturbing, and in my humble opinion, is inadequately addressed by the ethics statement published on the HMNS website. Very few specifics are provided there, the implication being that everyone should simply trust the adviser's judgement that all is well.

The ethical, moral, religious and aesthetic objections to the display of preserved human cadavers is not my primary concern, because that is something that each individual has to make a decision on for themselves. It is the uncertainty about the source of the bodies Dr. Hagens presents in this exhibit (and others) and how he went about securing them that bothers me. His public behavior should also give pause to anyone considering seeing this show.

Here are links to some articles that I have found so far; a little googling should turn up more for anyone wishing to pursue this further on their own. -

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lif...=chi-health-utl

http://www.guardian.co.uk/germany/article/...1129261,00.html

http://english.epochtimes.com/news/6-3-29/39840.html

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archi...2/05/2003097594

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/18/nyregion...agewanted=print

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml.../22/nbody22.xml

[dbigtex56]

Welcome to HAIF, Paul M. , and thanks for a very thought-provoking post.

I don't recall having seen this issue raised in the Houston Chronicle, although they gave quite a lot of press to promoting the exhibition. To willingly allow ones remains to be used in such a way is one thing; to exploit those who had no say in the matter is quite a different matter.

[Paul M.]

Thanks for having me! It's nice to have a forum to talk about the architecture and related subjects in this town. I'm not a professional in the field, but do have an appreciation for good design.

I felt like my previous post should probably go in the "Off Topic" or "Way-off Topic" forum, but then it would be a little difficult to connect back to the original discussion.

[dbigtex56]

Thanks for having me! It's nice to have a forum to talk about the architecture and related subjects in this town. I'm not a professional in the field, but do have an appreciation for good design.

I felt like my previous post should probably go in the "Off Topic" or "Way-off Topic" forum, but then it would be a little difficult to connect back to the original discussion.

Good point - subject has been moved to Off Topic.

[Zapata]

The exibition was just AWESOME...!!!!

Me and my wife went after 5:00PM because is cheaper and less people.

Very, very interesting stuff, We were able to touch the bodies several times..!! My wife was in shock when she was holding muscular tissue from one of the bodies....!!! She was in disbelief that the bodies were real....!!!!

She read the explanations like 4 or 5 times to accept the fact that those were real bodies....!!!

We walked the whole exibition twice, I really recomend it, We have some in-laws comming to town from Mexico and we are planning to take them there. Also we are planning to going a third and probably last time in September before the exposition leaves town.

Also the "fat" man at the end of exibit makes you thing about loosing those extra pounds...!!! Did anyone check it..???

[bachanon]

WOW, is all i can say. i saw the exhibit yesterday (mon) afternoon. the first few minutes, i was in awe and disturbed. what i found impressive is the small amount of information needed to describe what you were seeing. the education is in the seeing. many things are seered in my mind.

the kneeling figure at the beginning of the exhibit is said to honor christians, many who donated their bodies for this exhibit. the kneeling figure is leaning on a cross and holding a heart.

the central nervous system from brain to every nerve ending is amazing. the diseased organs, next to healthy organs are a warning the likes i've never encountered. a display of the tongue, epiglottis and trachea, all by itself, makes it clear how we do not choke ourselves to death everyday. organs filled with cancerous tumors that have metastisized (sp?) were a horrific reminder of friends i've lost to cancer. (perhaps it's better not to make those connections when viewing the exhibit.)

there are displays of the vein structures of the hand, the foot, a chicken, a lamb; all in the original shape of the original body, but without muscle, tendon, skin or bone. the process is explained as a vacuum forced process that fills the veins with this plasticene (sp?) formula. after the plastic hardens the remaining "substances" are removed. once again, grotesque and fascinating.

in retrospect, it is amazing how complex, and yet simple, our bodies are.

it is a must see for anyone in the medical field. i would think that it is a must see for teenagers as well.

[stolitx]

Anyone have tips for going? We were hoping to go today and I saw online that I can buy tickets for a certain time. Does that mean if we're running late we will not be able to get in? We are hoping to go today around 3:30 ish depending on how early I can cut out of work today. We're hoping at that time the afternoon crowds will be heading out and we'll beat the evening crowds.

[Trophy Property]

Anyone have tips for going? We were hoping to go today and I saw online that I can buy tickets for a certain time. Does that mean if we're running late we will not be able to get in? We are hoping to go today around 3:30 ish depending on how early I can cut out of work today. We're hoping at that time the afternoon crowds will be heading out and we'll beat the evening crowds.

We made the mistake of going on Saturday at 11:00am with the rest of the free world. It cost a pretty penny and the crowd was unruly. Too many pushy people and freaks invading my personal space.

I was not impressed one bit with the exhibit, but I am also not a science person whastsoever. I like Real Estate, Numbers, Sports and booby bars.

A friend who is a personal trainer thought it was spectacular and has been back three times.

To each his own.

[skwatra]

Anyone have tips for going? We were hoping to go today and I saw online that I can buy tickets for a certain time. Does that mean if we're running late we will not be able to get in? We are hoping to go today around 3:30 ish depending on how early I can cut out of work today. We're hoping at that time the afternoon crowds will be heading out and we'll beat the evening crowds.

we went friday afternoon a few weeks ago, just showed up and got tickets. just make sure you get there at least a few hours before they close and you should be ok. it was just crowded enough i would say.

i would recommend the audio guide, it provides a lot of detailed info you would otherwise miss. and i got the advanced one, i'm not medically inclined and it was easy enough to follow.

[wendyps]

A group of us went on Tuesday night (the inventor was giving a talk) and it wasn't bad at all. We went at 7:45 and there were people, but not a lot, and not very many kids.

I'd say a weeknight is your best bet.

I thought it was interesting, it doesn't really look as creepy as I thought it would. You kind of get into this surreal head space and it seems you are looking at really neat plastic reconstruction. I'm glad I went, but I don't really want to go back.

Trophey, ANOTHER booby post? You need to get out this weekend!

[lilyheights]

I saw it a couple of months ago and went to the lecture the other night.

It isn't any more gross than a wax replica or the skeleton in the biology lab. It is very respectful and scientific, imo.

I saw the ads after seeing the exhibit: those aren't really a good representation of the feel you get seeing the exhibit. I guess they try to be a little more sensational b/c they're ads...

There was a child of 7 or 8 in the exhibit when I went. Didn't seem to be bothered and she was asking questions. Seemed like some learning was going on.

[KimberlySayWhat]

I've become a bit jaded about the whole thing since starting this topic months ago after seeing so many pictures, news segments, billboards, etc. I've even seen the ads on more mainstream, non-Houston websites. But I still don't intend on going. I do think it's a bit stomach turning for me. I noticed they have BodyWorlds brochures in the food court at Houston Center downtown. I accidentally got a glimpse of one before eating some Chick-Fil-A before the Astros game last Friday, though by the time I got my food, I had forgotten about it.

[skwatra]

I've become a bit jaded about the whole thing since starting this topic months ago after seeing so many pictures, news segments, billboards, etc. I've even seen the ads on more mainstream, non-Houston websites. But I still don't intend on going. I do think it's a bit stomach turning for me. I noticed they have BodyWorlds brochures in the food court at Houston Center downtown. I accidentally got a glimpse of one before eating some Chick-Fil-A before the Astros game last Friday, though by the time I got my food, I had forgotten about it.

its really not as bad as they make it seem. though if you have no interested in anatomy then there's no point.

[lilyheights]

I've become a bit jaded about the whole thing since starting this topic months ago after seeing so many pictures, news segments, billboards, etc. I've even seen the ads on more mainstream, non-Houston websites. But I still don't intend on going. I do think it's a bit stomach turning for me. I noticed they have BodyWorlds brochures in the food court at Houston Center downtown. I accidentally got a glimpse of one before eating some Chick-Fil-A before the Astros game last Friday, though by the time I got my food, I had forgotten about it.

That's my point: the ads are not an accurate representation of the exhibit's look and feel...bad ad campaign or whatever, the ads turn one off. I'm glad I saw the thing w/o focusing on the ads b/c the exhibit was a valuable experience.

[Trophy Property]

Trophey, ANOTHER booby post? You need to get out this weekend!

I think part of it is that I love the word booby. SO I use it a lot.

[wendyps]

The ad thing actually makes me mad. There are a lot of people in this world who do not want to see bodies. Placing it in an exhibit hall where you can choose to go look is one thing...placing it on banner and flyers and distributing them in public places where you may see something you don't intend to is something else.

[stolitx]

We enjoyed it. Not too crowded either. It was nice just being at the museum, I haven't been in ages and forgot that I enjoy it.

The exhibit is interesting, not particularly disturbing to me. Mostly we found it hard to realize that it was all real. It was interesting and educational to see the organs that had effects of disease and/or abuse like the smoker's lung, cancer in the body, etc.

Mostly the whole exhibit makes you really think about what a wonderful, amazing thing the body is. I'm so not into anatomy, but enjoyed it overall.

[krix]

I went there some years ago, in Munich, with a medical student, who I kept asking questions over and over

This was of course before all the controversy broke out.. it was big in Germany, since Gunther von Hagens is German. One thing was that he was using the professor title incorrectly and was actually convicted of "title abuse" (which might only be a crime in Germany or Austria for that matter LOL), but the bigger concern was that indeed not all the donors had volunteered their bodies, that indeed some of the bodies were provided by Kyrgyz and/or Chinese prisoners who had been executed. This was even a title topic of Spiegel, the biggest German news magazine. Of course von Hagens denied everything but there was definitely something fishy about it. Too bad the Chronicle did not mention this... So I can say that I saw it and didn't have to feel bad about going...

[Heights2Bastrop]

Lucy was supposed to come to Houston for a visit, but I can

[WalkingMan]

Houston Museum Plans Expansion, Rare Exhibit

The Museum of Natural Science is going to double its current size. They're only ramping up the fundraising at this point, so no designs have been announced. Has anyone heard about any architects of note that they may be considering?

[bachanon]

exciting news. our museum's are some of the most visited museums in the country.

[KimberlySayWhat]

The 4th most visited to be exact.

[H-Town Man]

As exciting as that article is, my eyebrows raised a bit when I read about how we're going against the wishes of the entire scientific community, not to mention the UN, by transporting Lucy's bones here from Ethiopia next summer. It seems like that decision might have something to do with the fact that we hired a marketer rather than a scientist as the museum's director. Calls to mind those unfortunate Houston stereotypes of an immature, money-driven boomtown.