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Are you wondering why the Bodies Exhibit promotional billboards are still up? Did you conclude that they just forgot! Rest assured, they are continuing this popular exhibition on East 4^th Street until January 2, 2011 in case you didn’t get a chance to visit in October.

As I posted earlier, I visited this exhibition twice and I learned something new both times. Do not get discouraged by thinking this is too grotesque and/or I won’t be able to get through it. With the numerous informative video displays, audio guides, and meticulously dissected specimens along with knowledgeable docents, visitors come away with an enhanced and enriching educational experience.

In fact, it brought be back to my elementary school days when I illustrated the digestive system and the four quadrants of the heart. I’ve always had a fascination with the human body because it’s so complex and adaptive. Sure if you smoke, there is a strong possibility you’re polluting your lungs, hence “black lung.” If you so desire, there is a box where you “trash” your cigarettes. Similarly if you over eat, and gain a few pounds, you will see in this exhibit how you can strain your body and/or how it can be repaired. This exhibit does, in fact, celebrate the body’s inner beauty and resourcefulness.

I had an opportunity to question Alisa Mahan, Cleveland Exhibition’s Education Outreach Coordinator some underlying thoughts I had.

What brings visitors and what’s the major draw to the Bodies Exhibition? Alisa Mahan says, “Bodies…The Exhibition is unique in its system-by-system approach to understanding the human body. With 12 full-body specimens and 250 organs, the exhibit strives to educate visitors of the importance of knowing about and caring for one’s body. Visiting the exhibit is an unprecedented opportunity to view real human specimens and gain knowledge in a manner that cannot be taught in the classroom, from a textbook or a plastic model.”

As a visitor to this exhibition, I agree that these displays give you a three-dimensional perspective on numerous organs that can’t be visualized in the same way as a textbook or plastic model. The fact that it preserves real life specimens, you feel in tune with the validity of the display that relates back to your own body. Again regarding the heart, you can see unequivocally the size and texture of this organ and the importance of keeping it healthy. My favorite is the “aorta” which is gigantic in relation to the other veins and capillaries. These are the types of real life examples not normally seen.

What was the main reason you extended the exhibit? How many visitors have visited this Exhibition?

Alisa again states, “By popular demand, Bodies…The Exhibition has extended its stay in Cleveland. The exhibit is enjoyed every day by large groups of middle school, high school, and college students, along with many other excited Clevelanders. Many visitors have commented that they’ve been­ amazed to see the human body in an entirely different way.”

I’m excited to see this exhibition continue on East 4^th Street where perhaps more visitors will realize the importance of this exhibition. Clearly with healthcare on the rise, obesity and diabetes becoming an inherent problem, this exhibition is pivotal in educating our young people and/or interested visitors about their health.  Your Health is something, I know, is taken for granted.

Get the real story about your body, visit the Bodies . . . The Exhibition is Extended until 1/2/11.

BODIES . . . The Exhibition is located at the corner of Euclid Avenue and E. 4^th Street. Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit www.BodiesCleveland.com.

Check out my blog as well: www.tonichanakas.com/blog/

Last 5 posts by Toni Chanakas

• Giving Back - April 18th, 2011
• Ingenuity’s Under the Bridge 2010 - October 4th, 2010
• Why I buy Local Food! - September 13th, 2010
• Bodies: The Exhibition – A Review - August 6th, 2010
• BODIES . . . The Exhibition Coming to the East 4th Neighborhood - April 14th, 2010

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