Inside out

12 February 2010 - 23 January 2011

This exhibition focuses on man and a number of processes of the human body. Unique specimens and models provide an insight into the circulatory system, digestion, the nervous system and more.

The exhibition takes the visitor on a journey through time: starting with Galenus in the 2nd century AD, past the anatomical theatre, ancient specimens and wax models up to the modern “plastinations”, organic materials that will not decay due to their treatment with the latest in fixation techniques.

"Inside Out" consists of close to a hundred objects from the anatomical, scientific heritage of the University of Groningen. The first anatomy lesson in Groningen was conducted in 1615 on the spot of the current reception pavilion of the Museum of the University. Gradually a world-famous collection emerged, gathered together by the renowned collectors of the 18th century, Petrus Camper and Pieter de Riemer to name but two. Many specimen in spirits are on display once again.

A real human heart, which has been submerged in wax centuries ago, can be seen next to an educational model of the heart. The "muscle man" from 1843, a model made out of papier-mâché, is detachable in 150 (!) separate parts. Furthermore, the exhibition features five cross sections of a male torso.

The Greek physician Galenus was regarded as the leading authority on the human body in ancient times. For centuries science stuck to his theoretical anatomy teachings. During the Renaissance the foundations were laid for anatomy as an independent scientific discipline. The development of Anatomy in Europe and in Groningen is explained through Leonardo da Vinci, Vesalius (who compiled the first atlas of the human body), Petrus Koning en Petrus Camper.