BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness has arrived in London, bringing one of the world’s best known anatomy exhibitions to Sussex Mansions in South Kensington.
We recently visited and it is definitely one of the more unusual exhibitions we have been to in London. BODY WORLDS uses real human specimens and plastinated bodies to show what is happening underneath our skin, from the brain and nervous system to muscles, organs and bones.
It is fascinating and incredibly educational, although parents should be aware that some of the displays are very realistic. While the experience welcomes all ages, I personally think BODY WORLDS London is better suited to children aged around 10 and over.
You can book BODY WORLDS London tickets through Fever and use my discount code KIDDOADVENTURES10 to save when booking.
What is BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness?
BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness explores the human body while looking at the connection between our physical health, emotions and happiness.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors can see genuine human anatomical specimens alongside detailed information explaining how different parts of the body work.
There are full body plastinates as well as individual displays featuring organs, muscles, bones, brains and other parts of the human body.
The exhibition also looks at how lifestyle choices and different medical conditions can affect us physically.
What can you see inside BODY WORLDS London?
There is a huge amount to look at as you make your way through the exhibition.
One of the most striking displays compares different lungs, including lungs affected by smoking. Seeing the physical difference in front of you makes the health message particularly powerful.
There are several sections dedicated to the brain and nervous system, with real brains, brain slices and displays explaining how different areas of the brain work.
You can also see hearts, muscles, bones and complete anatomical specimens positioned in ways that show how the body moves.
There is even an entire nervous system on display, which really shows just how complex the human body is.
Interactive activities at BODY WORLDS London
There are a few interactive elements mixed in with the exhibits.
During our visit, there was an area where visitors could practise CPR on a mannequin while following instructions.
I liked having these interactive sections alongside the exhibits because they give children something practical to do rather than simply walking around reading information.
Is BODY WORLDS London suitable for children?
Although BODY WORLDS London welcomes visitors of all ages, I would personally say it is better suited to children aged 10 and over.
There is nothing inappropriate about the exhibition and everything is presented from an educational perspective, but children will be looking at genuine human specimens.
This includes real brains, organs, muscles and full human bodies where you can clearly see internal anatomy.
There is also a section covering foetal development.
Some younger children may find it fascinating, while others could find certain parts scary or unsettling, so this is definitely one where parents will need to judge what their own child is comfortable with.
For older children interested in biology, science or medicine, however, I think it is a brilliant way of seeing things they would normally only learn about from diagrams or textbooks.
Our BODY WORLDS London review
We found BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness really interesting.
What stood out most for me was how educational it was. Being able to see an actual brain, nervous system, heart or muscle in front of you makes it much easier to understand how the body is put together.
There is plenty of information throughout the exhibition without it feeling like you are simply walking around reading endless information boards.
It is also completely different from most of the immersive attractions and family experiences currently available in London.
I would recommend it particularly for families with older children who enjoy science or biology and are comfortable seeing real anatomical specimens.
Where is BODY WORLDS London?
BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness is located at:
Sussex Mansions
79 to 85 Old Brompton Road
London
SW7 3LD
The nearest Underground station is South Kensington, served by the Piccadilly, District and Circle lines.
The venue is within easy walking distance of the station and is also close to several of South Kensington’s major museums.
How long should you allow?
The suggested visit time is around one hour.
You could spend longer if you want to read all of the information accompanying the displays, particularly if you are interested in anatomy or medicine.
BODY WORLDS London ticket prices
Ticket prices can vary depending on availability and the ticket type selected.
At the time of writing, prices included:
Adults aged 13 and over: from £20
Youth aged 6 to 17: from £13
Senior aged 65 and over or student: from £16
Family Bundle: from £14.50 per person, with a minimum of three tickets including at least one child
Group Bundle: from £17 per person, with a minimum of four tickets
Booking fees apply.
BODY WORLDS London discount code
If you are looking for a BODY WORLDS London discount code, use KIDDOADVENTURES10 when booking your tickets through Fever.
The KIDDOADVENTURES10 Fever discount code can be used when booking BODY WORLDS: The Anatomy of Happiness, so make sure you enter it before completing your purchase.
Is BODY WORLDS London worth visiting?
For families with older children, particularly those interested in science and biology, I think BODY WORLDS offers something genuinely different from most London attractions.
It is educational without feeling like a school lesson, there are some fascinating displays, and you will almost certainly leave having learnt something new about the human body.
The only thing I would really consider before booking is whether your child will be comfortable seeing real human specimens. For that reason, despite all ages being welcome, I personally think around age 10 and over is the sweet spot.
