Plastinarium

About the museum

The Plastinarium in Guben opened in 2006, founded by Gubener Plastinate GmbH. Here the plastinates for the KÖRPERWELTEN exhibitions are made, as well as teaching specimens for the training and continuing education of medical professionals. Plastination, a process for permanently preserving tissue, was developed in 1977 by the physician Gunther von Hagens at Heidelberg University; his first experiments can be seen in Guben.

Across roughly 3,000 square meters, the route runs from the beginnings of anatomy through the production of skeletons to the plastination workshop, where visitors can watch the preparators at work and ask questions. One area offers a look at KÖRPERWELTEN, showing the health and illness of the body with whole-body and single specimens; the von-Hagens-Galerie presents plastinates from the KÖRPERWELTEN der Tiere exhibition, at times including large animals such as giraffes.

The museum celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026 and has been named family-friendly by the Lausitzer Seenland tourism association.

Highlights

• Anatomy history from the Renaissance to plastination
• Experience preparation live, Friday to Sunday
• A look at KÖRPERWELTEN and KÖRPERWELTEN der Tiere
• Free audio guide with about 50 stops in German, English and Polish
• About 3,000 m² of exhibition space

Permanent exhibitions

• Anatomiegeschichte und Skelettherstellung – From the beginnings of anatomy through preservation methods to making skeletons by maceration.
• Plastination live erleben – Model displays of the plastination work steps; in a freely accessible area, visitors can watch preparators at work.
• Einblick in die KÖRPERWELTEN – Whole-body and single specimens show body systems as well as healthy and diseased organs, plus plastinates from the KÖRPERWELTEN der Tiere.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Gubener Plastinate GmbH

Admission & discounts

Admission is also free for body donors of the Institute for Plastination, members of the press, and one companion per visitor with a "B" marker (each with proof). Teachers can visit the museum free of charge before a school visit. Payment by debit (EC) and credit card is possible; tickets and vouchers are valid for three years.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Step-free access to the exhibition areas via a ramp, and two accessible toilets; the snack area can only be reached by a spiral staircase. Information is available in writing; tours for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors and sign language interpreters are available on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

No age limit; parents decide whether their children are prepared. Children under 14 only with an adult. Family offerings include the "Dr. Junior" quiz booklet, an interactive anatomical mirror, a quiz tour for children and pupils in grades 5 to 8, the family ticket, and a partnership with the FerienSpaßPass. The museum carries the seal "Familienfreundlich im Lausitzer Seenland."

Getting there & parking

Navigation address: Uferstraße 26, 03172 Guben.

Amenities & dining

Snack and drink vending machines on the upper floor of the gallery; please avoid eating and drinking in the exhibition. Smoking is prohibited on the entire grounds.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit