Plastinarium

Plastinarium is a plastination center located in Guben, Germany, opened on November 17, 2006, by Dr. Gunther von Hagens. This facility, which specializes in the preparation of human corpses using the plastination technique, is associated with the Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg. The goal of Plastinarium is to collect and prepare exhibits for the Body Worlds exhibitions, as well as to educate about anatomy and change the perception of the body after death, aiming to destigmatize the topic of death. Despite initial plans to build it in the Polish town of Sieniawa Żarska, the project was moved to Guben due to opposition from the local community. Housed in a former woolen cloth factory, the center spans over 2,500 square meters, where visitors can observe the processes of body preparation and preservation, as well as participate in virtual educational classes. Plastinarium offers a unique experience with its glass workshop, where visitors can watch plastinates being created live, and boasts an extensive collection of exhibits, including 150 individual organ specimens and around 15 full-body plastinates, making it one of the most important institutions in the field of anatomical education. The center also serves as an alternative to traditional burial, allowing individuals to donate their bodies for plastination. Among the donors is Hans Guido Mutke, a German pilot known for breaking the sound barrier. Plastinarium is also where exhibits for various versions of the Body Worlds exhibition are collected and preserved.