Bringing Body Worlds to Phoenix: Community Relations and a Science Center

Abstract Body Worlds exhibitions include human skeletons and tissues preserved through a method of plastination, displayed through striking poses that have both intrigued and incensed visitors. Controversies around these exhibitions have included ethical concerns about the procurement of human remains, legal questions about the ownership and transport of human organs and skeletons, and cultural and religious concerns about the respect afforded to humans after death. Body Worlds exhibitions have toured North America since 2005. Because of their controversial nature, the initial introduction to the U.S. included a thorough ethical review by the inaugural host site, the California Science Center. This article describes the community review process carried out in Phoenix before the exhibition first appeared at the Arizona Science Center in 2006. It raises the question of how science centers can follow a mission of educating and informing the public with controversial exhibits while still respecting the cultural sensitivities of the communities it serves.