Gunther von Hagens, the German anatomist behind the "Body Worlds" exhibitions, has died at 81. He became internationally known for displays featuring preserved human bodies, work that drew both admiration and unease from audiences around the world.
His exhibitions placed anatomy in front of the public in a way few people had seen before. For some, they offered a striking educational look inside the human body. For others, they raised difficult questions about how far science and public display should go.
Von Hagens built a career in a space that touched science, entertainment and commerce at the same time. That unusual mix helped make "Body Worlds" widely recognized, while also ensuring that his work remained a source of debate.
With his death, attention is again turning to the legacy of a figure who changed how anatomy was presented to mass audiences. Gunther von Hagens leaves behind a body of work that prompted fascination, discomfort and lasting discussion.
