In Memoriam: Body Worlds creator Doctor Gunther von Hagens

July 28, 2026 0 By 007 Travelers

German anatomist, businessman and lecturer doctor Gunther von Hagens (1945-2026) has passed away. Wishing peace and comfort as relatives navigate through this painful time. Our hearts go out to you.

Gunther von Hagens created the world famous Body Worlds Exhibition. Body Worlds (German title: Körperwelten) is a traveling exposition of dissected human bodies, animals, and other anatomical structures of the body that have been preserved through the process of plastination. Gunther von Hagens developed the preservation process which “unite[s] subtle anatomy and modern polymer chemistry”, in the late 1970s. Von Hagens organized numerous Body Worlds public exhibitions and occasional live demonstrations of his and his colleagues’ work, and has traveled worldwide to promote its educational value. The sourcing of biological specimens for and the commercial background of his exhibits had been controversial. (Wikipedia)

In “Casino Royale” (2006) James Bond (Daniel Craig) follows Alex Dimitrios (Simon Abkarian) and enters the Body Worlds Exhibition in Miami, USA. The scene was not filmed in Miami, but in Prague, Czech Republic. Exterior shots were filmed at the front of Ministry of Transport, Nábřeží Ludvíka Svobody 12/1222, and interior shots inside of Vitkov monument, U Pamatniku 1900. Doctor Gunther von Hagens can be seen briefly in one scene where he leads a tour at the Body World Exhibition.