The latest exhibit to join the numerous attractions at the OdySea in the Desert Entertainment District is “Bodies Revealed.” This intimate and informative traveling exhibition showcases more than 200 actual human bodies and specimens, providing a detailed, three-dimensional vision of the human form rarely seen outside of an anatomy lab. The specimens in the exhibit have been prepared using a process called polymer preservation.
During this process, human tissue is permanently preserved using liquid silicone rubber. Smaller organs may take only a week to prepare, while a full-body specimen may take up to one year. Once preserved, the specimens can last for decades.
Ran Knishinsky, chief marketing officer, said that they were looking at many different ideas in the world of exhibitions to find the best one to bring to OdySea in the Desert. “I always have been enthralled with the ‘Bodies’ exhibitions from an educating point of view, and I reached out to Premier Exhibitions,” he says.
Premier Exhibitions, Inc. provides museum-quality exhibitions throughout the world and in the leader in developing and displaying one-of-a-kind exhibitions for education and entertainment.
“Bodies Revealed” is located on the second floor at OdySea in the Desert, adjacent to the OdySea Aquarium. In its 12,000-square-foot space, there are 10 galleries, each one providing an up-close look inside the skeletal, muscular, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems of the body.
There are also specimens that demonstrate the damage that can be done to organs by smoking, lack of exercise and overeating. “You’ll see, for example, a healthy lung and then you will also see a damaged lung that was devastated by smoking,” says Ran. This way the visitor can compare and see first hand the impact a bad habit has on the body.
Ran admits that why he was so drawn to this particular exhibit may have something to do with his many years working in the hospital and pharmaceutical sector, “in a whole separate life.” He is also the author of several health-related books that have been translated into Mandarin, Italian, Spanish and German. “I have a real, intimate appreciation for the field of health,” he says.
He first saw one of the “Bodies” exhibits when “Body Worlds” came to the Arizona Science Center in 2011. “I was just enthralled,” he says. “I remember walking through that exhibition and the average time spent was maybe an hour, hour-and-a-half, and I doubled that. I was so interested in learning more. I had never encountered anything like that.”
“Bodies Revealed” will be at OdySea in the Desert at 9500 E. Via de Ventura Road in Scottsdale for a limited time. The exhibit is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm and on Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission is $19.95 for ages 13-64, $17.95 for military and ages 65 and up, $14.95 for ages 2-12, children under 24 months are free. Butterfly Wonderland and OdySea Aquarium members and annual pass holders will receive 10% off single attraction pricing. For more information, visit bodiesaz.com.
While you are at OdySea in the Desert to see “Bodies Revealed” stay a little longer and visit one of the many other attractions also located there. For more information on any of these attractions along with the shops, restaurants and events happening, visit odyseainthedesert.com.
OdySea Aquarium
The largest aquarium in the Southwest, holding more than 2,000,000 gallons of water, this state-of-the-art facility offers SeaTREK underwater ocean walking, a penguin interaction program, a submerged escalator and the world’s only rotating aquarium exhibit.
Butterfly Wonderland
More than 3,000 butterflies reside in the largest butterfly conservatory in the country. Also includes a butterfly emergence gallery, 3D theater, reptile exhibit, honey bee extravaganza, insect exhibit, freshwater and exotic fish, gift shop and café.
Laser + Mirror Maze
Challenge your mind and body in a rainforest-themed mirror maze with infinite reflections, impossible corridors and mind-bending light effects. Navigate through a puzzle of lasers as quickly as possible.
Dolphinaris Arizona
Meet dolphins from dry land or in the water. Visitors can enjoy interacting with dolphins, even becoming a trainer for the day, learning about this amazing species and supporting ocean conservation efforts.
Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
Guests are transported back to the age of the dinosaurs with more than 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs roaming through exhibits and recreations of habitats. Also includes immersive activities, art stations, rides and dining area.
