“This Is What’s Happening to Me”: Visitor Responses to Body Worlds

• In Event: Social and Personal Connections to Informal Learning

Abstract

Von Hagen's Body Worlds is a travelling exhibit that allows the public to experience the internal human body through the use of plastinated cadavers. Given the unique nature of the Body Worlds exhibit and its educational potential, this study investigates visitor responses to Body Worlds and the implications of these responses for science centres and the visitor experience. Using a naturalistic qualitative case study approach, three highly personal visitor responses emerged: 1) personal narratives; 2) validations; and 3) transpositions. Our study suggests that the personal context of learning in informal settings is central to visitor meaning-making. In particular, personal histories and strong emotional responses were pervasive. By encouraging personal connections to exhibits, science centres may enhance visitor meaning-making.

Authors

• Michelle Dubek, OISE/University of Toronto

• Erminia G. Pedretti, OISE/University of Toronto

• Susan Jagger, University of Toronto - OISE