Body Worlds Berlin (Körperwelten) is a fascinating, if slightly controversial, museum located directly at Alexanderplatz. Created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, the inventor of plastination, it showcases real human bodies that have been preserved to teach visitors about anatomy, health, and the complexity of the human organism.
What to expect at Body Worlds Berlin
The Berlin exhibition is titled “The Facets of Life” (Facetten des Lebens). Unlike the temporary traveling exhibitions, this is a permanent museum.
- Real Plastinates: The core of the museum consists of over 200 authentic human specimens. These include whole-body plastinates posed in lifelike activities (such as playing sports or performing surgery) to demonstrate how muscles and bones work together.
- Focus on Health: A major theme is the comparison between healthy and diseased organs. You will see a “smoker’s lung” next to a healthy lung, a liver affected by alcohol, and how obesity impacts the body.
- The Nervous System: The exhibition dives deep into the nervous system, explaining how we sense temperature, pain, and how our brain processes happiness and stress.
- Interactive Stations: There are several stations where you can check your own blood pressure or heart rate, making the experience personal.
- Respectful Atmosphere: Despite the nature of the exhibits, the tone is highly educational and respectful. The bodies are from donors who explicitly agreed to be used for this purpose during their lifetime.
Where to buy tickets
- Online (Recommended): Buying tickets via the official Body Worlds Berlin website or major ticket platforms is the best way to secure your entry. You typically book a specific time slot to avoid overcrowding.
- On-Site: Tickets are available at the box office. On weekends or holidays, you might face a queue or find that the immediate time slots are fully booked.
- Berlin WelcomeCard: If you hold a Berlin WelcomeCard, you are entitled to a discount (usually around 25%). You generally need to purchase the discounted ticket at the counter or select the specific discount option when booking online.
Body Worlds Berlin tickets
- Adults: Approximately €19.00 – €25.00 (Weekend prices are often slightly higher).
- Reduced Admission: Approximately €16.00 – €19.00. This applies to students (up to 30 years), seniors (65+), and people with disabilities.
- Children & Youth (7–18 years): Approximately €13.00 – €15.00.
- Children (Under 7): Free admission, but they still need a ticket.
- Family Ticket: Approx. €46.00 – €52.00. This usually covers 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children.
Body Worlds Museum Entrance
Finding the entrance can sometimes be tricky because it is located at the base of the Berlin TV Tower, not inside the tower’s main lobby.
- Location: Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin.
- Visual Landmark: Look for the entrance directly opposite the train station exit, near the Neptune Fountain (Neptunbrunnen) and the Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall). It is located in the lower building structure that wraps around the foot of the TV Tower.
Audio Guide
- Bring Your Own Device: The museum offers a free audio guide that you can access via your smartphone using a QR code. It is available in English and German. Important: You must bring your own headphones to use this feature so you do not disturb other visitors.
- Rental Devices: If you do not have a smartphone or headphones, you can rent a traditional audio guide device at the counter for a small fee (approx. €3.50).
How to reach
The museum is centrally located at Alexanderplatz, one of Berlin’s biggest transport hubs.
- By S-Bahn (Train): Take lines S3, S5, S7, or S9 to Alexanderplatz.
- By U-Bahn (Subway): Take the U2, U5, or U8 lines to Alexanderplatz.
- By Tram: The M4, M5, and M6 stop directly at Alexanderplatz/Gontardstraße.
- By Bus: The 100, 200, and 300 sightseeing buses all stop nearby.
Body Worlds Berlin’s timings
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Last Admission: 6:00 PM (strictly one hour before closing).
- Holidays: Open 365 days a year. However, it is usually closed on Christmas Eve (December 24). Always check the website for specific holiday hours.
How long does Body Worlds take?
- Average Visit: 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows you to walk through all sections, listen to the audio guide explanations, and look at the specimens in detail.
- Detailed Visit: If you read every plaque and study the pathology of the organs closely, plan for 2.5 hours.
- Quick Look: You can walk through the exhibition in about 60 minutes, but you will miss the depth of the educational content.
Best time to visit Body Worlds Berlin
- Weekday Mornings: The quietest time is Monday to Thursday shortly after opening at 10:00 AM.
- Avoid: Saturday afternoons are the busiest.
- Lunchtime: Visiting around 1:30 PM on weekdays can also be a good strategy as the morning rush clears out.
FAQs about Body Worlds Berlin
1. Is the exhibition suitable for children?
Yes, it is designed to be family-friendly. There are no “horror” elements; it is purely anatomical. However, parents should decide if their children are comfortable seeing dead bodies. Most children find it fascinating rather than scary.
2. Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum is fully barrier-free. There is an elevator to access the exhibition floor, and disabled restrooms are available.
3. Can I take photos?
Yes, photography for private, non-commercial use is permitted. However, you are generally not allowed to use flash, tripods, or selfie sticks.
4. Are the bodies real?
Yes, all the specimens on display are real human bodies that have been preserved through the process of plastination. The donors voluntarily bequeathed their bodies to the Institute for Plastination for educational purposes.
5. Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, there are lockers available for bags and coats. You will typically need a €1 or €2 coin as a deposit. Large suitcases are generally not permitted inside the exhibition.
