“Our Body: The Universe Within,” an acclaimed educational exhibition of human anatomy, is scheduled to open in The University of Texas at Austin’s spacious, recently completed H. J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports on April 24.
The exhibition exposes the inner workings of human anatomy using actual human bodies that have been preserved with a unique process known as “polymer impregnation.” Polymer impregnation replaces fluid from the body with polymers that prevent decay and decomposition.
“The exhibit is revealing, educational and breathtaking in its presentation,” says Dr. Jan Todd, Stark Center co-director and a professor in the College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Education. “Viewers literally and figuratively are going under the skin and looking at what’s usually only seen by doctors and scientists. It’s an exciting learning tool for individuals of any age.”
Guests are introduced to the exhibit by way of a multimedia visual timeline titled “The History of Anatomy.” It features milestones in the study of anatomy, encompassing the body’s form and healing. The journey continues through each major body system, with combinations of full body specimens as well as healthy and diseased organ and cell samples. Presented in an artful, compelling and dignified environment, the exhibit encourages guests to connect on a personal level and better understand their own bodies.
“A major goal for the Stark Center is to help the public appreciate the value of exercise and healthful living practices,” says Dr. Terry Todd, Stark Center director. “That process starts with an understanding of our own bodies and how they function. ‘Our Body: The Universe Within’ is a stunning presentation that is central to our mission, and we are pleased to host it as our first exhibit in the Center’s Joe and Betty Weider Museum of Physical Culture.”
The H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports is named for former University of Texas Regent H.J. Lutcher Stark and was founded by University of Texas at Austin faculty members Terry and Jan Todd. The Center has two primary divisions, one being the largest research library in the world in the areas of health and exercise. It also contains more than 14,000 square feet of exhibition space, including the Joe and Betty Weider Museum of Physical Culture, an art gallery, three photography galleries and a large lobby in which golf great Ben Crenshaw’s memorabilia and other sports related items will be displayed during the “Our Body” exhibition.
The exhibit opens at 10 a.m. on April 24 in the Stark Center, which is located at 403 E. 23rd St., on the fifth floor of the North End Zone Building at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Visitors should use Gate 16 to enter the food court and take the elevator to the fifth floor.
Tickets go on sale April 12 and can be purchased at the Stark Center online, all Texas Box Office outlets, 800-982-BEVO or at the exhibit box office located at Gate 16 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Obtain parking information or learn more about the Stark Center online.
