museum
Body Worlds Amsterdam
An anatomy museum of real preserved human bodies, on the Damrak.
Photo: BODY WORLDS Amsterdam / Google
On the Damrak, a few minutes from Central Station, Body Worlds: The Happiness Project is a striking anatomy exhibition built around real human bodies, preserved using a technique called plastination. It's both a science lesson and a reflection on what makes us well — exploring how emotions, and happiness in particular, affect our health.
Created by Dr Gunther von Hagens, Body Worlds has been seen by more than 40 million people worldwide; the bodies on display come from people who donated themselves to the programme during their lifetimes.
What you'll see
Across several floors, more than 200 anatomical specimens reveal the inner workings of the human body — muscles, organs, the nervous and circulatory systems — many shown in everyday or active poses. Throughout, the exhibition draws connections between how we feel and how our bodies function. Your ticket usually includes an InBody scan giving a readout of your own body composition.
Good to know
Plan around 1.5 to 2 hours. It's family-friendly and recommended for ages six and up, with a separate adults-only section. It's centrally located and easy to reach on foot from Central Station.
Tips from locals
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours — there's a lot of detailed information to take in across the floors.
Your ticket usually includes a free InBody scan of your own body composition; it's worth doing.
It's recommended for ages six and up, with a clearly marked adults-only section you can skip.
It's a 5-minute walk from Central Station, easy to fit into a central day.
Book online ahead — the Damrak gets crowded and tickets are often cheaper in advance.
Did you know?
The bodies are preserved through plastination, a technique that replaces fluids with durable polymers.
Body Worlds exhibitions have been seen by more than 40 million people around the world.
The Amsterdam edition, 'The Happiness Project', focuses on how emotions affect the body.
All the bodies on display come from people who donated themselves to the programme.
The exhibition spans several floors, each devoted to a different part or system of the body.
FAQ
- What is Body Worlds?
- An anatomy exhibition of real preserved human bodies, exploring how the body works and how happiness affects health.
- Where is it?
- On the Damrak, a few minutes' walk from Central Station.
- Are the bodies real?
- Yes — they are real human bodies, preserved by plastination and donated to the programme.
- Is it suitable for children?
- It's recommended for ages six and up, with a separate adults-only section.
- How long does a visit take?
- Around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Body Worlds Amsterdam, Amsterdam
Damrak 66, 1012 LM, Amsterdam