BODY WORLDS Heidelberg is a permanent museum on Poststraße showing real human bodies preserved by the plastination process, opened up to show muscles, organs and bones. The current exhibition, Anatomy of Happiness, looks at how the body and brain create feelings of joy, stress and wellbeing, using about two hundred exhibits and plenty of explanation. It is the opposite of Heidelberg's historic Old Town, but it draws steady visitors, especially on cold or rainy days. The museum is open daily from ten in the morning to six in the evening, according to its ticket page, and a standard ticket covers the exhibition. It is a good family option for older children and teenagers curious about biology, while parents should consider that the bodies are real and some visitors find them confronting. Allow about one to one and a half hours.
What you see
Figures are shown in dynamic poses, such as athletes, thinkers and dancers, with parts of the body opened to reveal structures. Panels explain the science behind emotions, with sections on stress, relationships, the brain's reward systems and healthy habits. The tone is educational rather than sensational, though it will not suit anyone who is uneasy around human remains. Photography rules apply, so check the signs and ask staff if unsure.
Who it suits
Teenagers and adults who like science museums will enjoy it. Younger children may be upset or bored, so judge by your child's temperament and check the museum's age guidance before buying. The museum is a good pairing with a morning outdoors, because it is a calm, climate-controlled space on a cold day, and it is in the city rather than on a hillside, so it needs no climbing.
Practical advice
Buy a timed or dated ticket online if the option is offered to skip the queue, and plan around peak weekend afternoons, when it is busiest. Combination tickets with other regional attractions exist, though they involve day trips to other cities, so choose only what you will use. Poststraße is a short ride from the Old Town by bus or tram. If you are unsure whether it is for you, read a few visitor accounts first.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through an exhibition of real preserved bodies with explanatory panels.
Best time
A cold or rainy weekday afternoon, when the Old Town is less appealing.
How long
One to one and a half hours.
Tips
Check age guidance for children, plan for quieter weekday slots and read the photography rules at the entrance.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Older children, teenagers and adults who enjoy science and anatomy.
- Families
- Best for teenagers; judge younger children carefully.
- Couples
- A quirky indoor outing on a wet day.
- Pair with
- A morning in the Old Town or the castle.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half.
Good questions
What is on show at BODY WORLDS Heidelberg?+
The current exhibition, Anatomy of Happiness, uses real plastinated bodies to explain emotions, the brain and wellbeing. It has around two hundred exhibits.
When is it open?+
It is open daily from ten in the morning to six in the evening, according to its ticket page. Check for changes on holidays.
Is it suitable for children?+
It is better for teenagers and adults. Younger children may find it upsetting, so check the museum's age guidance.
Where is it?+
The museum is on Poststraße 36 in Heidelberg, a short ride from the Old Town. Buses and trams serve the area.
How long does a visit take?+
Allow one to one and a half hours. Longer if you read all the panels.
