Gunther von Hagens, creator of Body Worlds and plastination, dies aged 81
Gunther von Hagens with a plastinated human body, displayed as part of a touring Body Worlds exhibition in 2007. Photograph: LM Otero/APView image in fullscreenGunther von Hagens with a plastinated human body, displayed as part of a touring Body Worlds exhibition in 2007. Photograph: Jockel Finck/APVon Hagens was born Gunther Gerhard Liebchen in January 1945 in Skalmierzyce, Poland, then under German occupation and named Alt-Skalden.
- ▪Gunther von Hagens with a plastinated human body, displayed as part of a touring Body Worlds exhibition in 2007.
- ▪Photograph: LM Otero/APView image in fullscreenGunther von Hagens with a plastinated human body, displayed as part of a touring Body Worlds exhibition in 2007.
- ▪Photograph: Jockel Finck/APVon Hagens was born Gunther Gerhard Liebchen in January 1945 in Skalmierzyce, Poland, then under German occupation and named Alt-Skalden.
3 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 1 hour. Coverage spans 2 points on the political spectrum — 1 lean left, 1 centre.
- ▪ Controversial 'Body Worlds' creator dies at 81 — Le Monde (EN)
- ▪ 'Dr Death', Body Worlds creator Gunther von Hagens, dies at 81 — BBC News
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — Science |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/27/gunther-von-hagens-creator-of-body-worlds-and-plastination-dies-aged-81 |
| Publication time | Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:52:49 GMT |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Gunther von Hagens with a plastinated human body, displayed as part of a touring Body Worlds exhibition in 2007. Photograph: LM Otero/APView image in fullscreenGunther von Hagens with a plastinated human body, displayed as part of a touring Body Worlds exhibition in 2007. Photograph: LM Otero/APScienceGunther von Hagens, creator of Body Worlds and plastination, dies aged 81Controversial anatomist’s body ‘will definitely be plastinated’ in line with his wishes, a spokesperson saidPhilip Oltermann European culture editorMon 27 Jul 2026 09.52 EDTLast modified on Mon 27 Jul 2026 10.04 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleGunther von Hagens, who developed a technique for permanently preserving human bodies in rigid states and toured the world with his controversial Body Worlds exhibition, has…
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