Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds returns to Toronto with an all-new exhibition titled BODY WORLDS & The Story of the Heart that will reveal through the lenses of anatomy, cardiology, psychology and culture how the heart nourishes, regulates and sustains life. The exhibition will give Science Centre visitors a profound insight into the human body with over 200 human specimens including whole-body plastinates, organs and translucent body slices.

Highlights of the exhibition also includes a new animal plastinate - a giraffee measuring 5.6 metres from head to feet; lungs of smoker and non-smoker; a prenatal display featuring fetuses and embroyos from congenital disorder.

Plastination is a technique used in anatomy to preserve bodies or body parts thru the use of polymers. Dr. Gunther von Hagens of Germany invented the technique and found the Institute of Plastination in 1993 with first showing of plastinate bodies in Japan in 1995 that drew over three million visitors.

Human specimens used for plastination are donated through a program setup at the institute with over 10,000 registered donors. Canada currently has 70 registered donors. Each plastination process takes about 1 year.

The exhibition begins October 9, 2009 and runs until February 28, 2010 and is a time-ticketed event.

General admission:

• $28.50 for adult 18 to 64;
• $24.50 for senior 65 +;
• $24.50 for youth 13 to 17;
• $18.50 for children 4 to 12;
• infant up to 3 is free;
• Science Centre members are able to book through the call centre and will receive a discount of up to 47% on admission.

Tickets are on sale at the box office and online at www.ontariosciencecentre.ca.