MOSI is the Museum of Science and Industry, located in Tampa, Florida. It’s a great family experience, with exhibitions geared for both children and adults alike. With a dome IMAX theatre and special kids exhibits, MOSI is a special treat any time of the year. The BODIES exhibit is a special engagement running through September 4, 2006, and one that is most fascinating!

I first saw billboards for BODIES- The Exhibition a few months ago and from what I understood, it was a display of real human bodies. This both interested me and slightly disgusted me, as I had no idea what it was really all about. Being located in the Museum of Science and Industry, I figured it had to be educational and there were great raves for the show, so I thought I would check it out.

When I entered the exhibit, I was immediately blown away. I had at first understood that BODIES was with actual real human bodies, but when I saw the first display, I figured there was no way it could be real. There was a full male body, with only muscle and bone showing. Very cool and “Bill Nye the Science Guy-eqsue, but way better. The bodies were not enclosed in any type of plexi-glass, although there were signs saying Do Not Touch.

The exhibit is separated into different displays, including the skeletal system, which was cool, but who hasn’t seen at least a fake human skeleton before. Then you move on to the muscular system, which was unbelievable. There were full human bodies, with all skin and fat and removed, revealing what I had only seen in textbooks before. Sinewy muscles, bones and joints- all that really hold us together. The Nervous System display exposes all the nerves in the human body- with open spinal cords and full bodies showing real nerves- I had no idea how they really looked. Brains were also displayed, in full and dissected pieces. The Digestive and Respiratory System display was pretty cool, showing all the different organs, both in the body and removed for better viewing. The Circulatory System display had a full human body with everything removed but the blood vessels, which was simply amazing- how even by removing all other bodily matter, the human form, down to facial features is still 100% recognizable. The Reproductive and Urinary Systems display showed an interesting view of familiar subjects. Lastly, there is a display of the Treated Body- showing how artificial limbs, joints and surgical tools- all very interesting and educational.

In each display, there are explanations of everything shown, as well as many audio tracks that can be heard if you purchase the audio tour for an additional $5. There were two different tracks that could be heard at the chosen displays, one for adults and one for children. I was on slightly limited time and did not listen to all the tracks and found that the printed descriptions were just as helpful. If you have children with you, this might keep them slowed down a little bit, rather than running through the exhibit, but otherwise, read the posted signs and you will get plenty of information.

All of the displays were equally fascinating, but there were some that really made me stop and think. The healthy lungs and the smoker’s lungs showed a pretty good reason not to smoke. The healthy liver and the cirrhotic liver made me value my good organs even more. Even the dissected stomach made me question what it is that I put into my body every day.

BODIES- The Exhibit is one that was designed to educate us about ourselves. I walked away thinking that my body truly is a temple- the way we are designed to function so perfectly is really amazing. I rarely stop to think about breathing or moving, but everything that we do, from thinking to walking to eating or sleeping, our bodies are constantly in motion. I left the exhibit never wanting to have another margarita again, nor eat anything with fat or sugar in it! I never want to breathe anything but clean, fresh air and I never want to sit around letting my muscles atrophy for any more than a few hours at a time.

The Bodies exhibit is one that we can all relate to, as its all about us. There are a few sensitive subjects, including a section with fetuses, including those with birth defects. There is a warning sign before entering, so those who choose not to see that part can simply walk on by. Children may be sensitive to the “reproductive” organs that are displayed, as they are part of the human body, but otherwise, the displays, although perhaps shown slightly differently, are nothing that is not in any anatomy textbook. I originally thought that because real human specimens were being used that I would think it would be creepy, or otherwise difficult to handle, but I did not. It was all very interesting and amazing at the same time.

The bodies used are preserved so that there is no smell or decay, in fact, as I mentioned before, they look so real, you’ll think they’re fake (if that makes any sense). There are 20 whole body specimens and over 260 organ and partial body specimens, so there is plenty to see. I went through the exhibit in about an hour, but probably could have taken 30 more minutes to really thoroughly read every display description. Give yourself a good 2 hours to make sure you are really able to see everything well without being rushed. When I went in the evening, there was not a large crowd and I was able to see everything without having to wait behind someone.

For the Kiddies
If you feel that BODIES might not be age appropriate for your children, there is a special exhibit just for them: Sesame Street Presents: The Body. It's much more hands on and is described as "The loveable Sesame Street Muppets anchor an exciting collection of hands-on, interactive and multimedia experiences that allow children aged eight and under to explore the human body and how they can keep it healthy and strong." I did not attend this exhibit, but plan on going back to bring my two-year old.


The hours
MOSI is open from 9-6 daily (365 days a year), but BODIES- The Exhibition also has special nighttime hours from 5-9.

The cost
Premium Admission to MOSI is $29.95 for adults, which includes a ticket for any IMAX show, all the exhibits, including BODIES. General Admission is $23.95, which does not include BODIES. BODIES After Dark is for the exhibition alone and is $14.95. These are all adult prices, senior and children’s pricing is also available. There are yearly memberships that are a good value- for a family up to 5 members, an IMAX membership allows access to all IMAX showings and museum entry, with discounted pricing for special engagements for only $150. Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line or by phone, and are also available at the museum entrance.

MOSI is conveniently located near the University of South Florida and very close to Busch Gardens. It is a great educational addition to a trip to Tampa. With free parking and convenient access, rain or shine, this is a must see museum and exhibit; it is both educational and emotional.

*~*For information on another BODIES exhibit in New York, check out Krus54's review here~*~

Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime