Body Worlds Amsterdam: The Happiness Project Ticket

Plastination is a revolutionary preservation method developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977 that replaces bodily fluids and fats with reactive liquid polymers. The process begins with formaldehyde fixation, followed by acetone dehydration, forced vacuum impregnation with silicone or epoxy, and finally positional curing under heat or gas. Each full-body specimen requires 1,500+ hours of meticulous labor over 12–18 months. This technique halts decomposition permanently while preserving cellular structure, natural color variations, and flexibility, enabling specimens to be posed in athletic or everyday positions. Used in over 50 countries for medical training, Body Worlds was the first to bring plastinates to public exhibitions. The Amsterdam Happiness Project features the latest generation of this technology, including transparent body slices only 2mm thick.

Absolutely—Body Worlds Amsterdam is designed as an educational, family-oriented experience with age-appropriate signage and interactive stations. Children witness real human anatomy in a clinical, respectful environment that emphasizes health and happiness rather than morbidity. Free admission applies to ages 0–4, while reduced child tickets cover ages 6–17; children 5 must pay adult rate. Sensitive displays (e.g., reproductive organs) are placed higher or behind partitions. Staff provide junior audio guides with simplified explanations, and the top-floor “Happiness Lab” includes touchable models and games. Parents report that even young visitors leave excited about biology. However, the museum advises parental discretion for children under 6 due to the realistic nature of specimens.

Plan for 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on your pace and engagement level. The exhibition spans five floors with a logical flow: circulatory, muscular, nervous, digestive, and happiness-themed zones. Most guests spend 20 minutes per floor, plus 10–15 minutes for the InBody Scan and 15 minutes enjoying fika on the rooftop terrace. There is no time limit once inside, so you can linger at favorite displays or re-visit sections. Peak hours (11 AM–2 PM) may feel busier on lower levels, while mornings and late afternoons offer quieter exploration. Guided group tours (available in English/Dutch) last 60 minutes and require separate booking. Arrive 5 minutes before your slot to ensure smooth entry.

Yes—the ticket includes one complimentary Swedish “fika” served in the fifth-floor Sky Café overlooking Damrak. Choose from freshly brewed coffee, herbal tea, or hot chocolate paired with a traditional cinnamon bun or Dutch apple cake. The café operates during museum hours and offers additional paid snacks like sandwiches and smoothies. Outside food and drinks are prohibited in exhibit areas to protect specimens, but sealed water bottles are permitted. A small picnic area is available on the ground-floor courtyard for those bringing lunch. The café also sells Body Worlds-themed merchandise and happiness journals. Vegan and gluten-free fika options are available upon request at the counter.

The InBody 770 scanner uses multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), sending imperceptible electrical currents (under 100 μA) through handheld electrodes and footplates to measure intracellular/extracellular water, protein, minerals, and fat mass within 60 seconds. It is 100% non-invasive, radiation-free, and safe for all ages above 4 (including pregnant women after the first trimester). Results include segmental lean analysis, visceral fat level, and basal metabolic rate, printed instantly on a two-page color report. Your data is never stored in the cloud—only a temporary device cache is cleared after each scan. Medical-grade accuracy is validated against DEXA scans (98% correlation). Staff are present to explain results but cannot provide medical advice. Remove metal jewelry and stand barefoot for best precision.