Body of Work

Primary school pupils Rachel Sim, 10, and her brother, Jasper, eight, joined the throngs of children who visited the Human Body Experience (HBX) exhibition at Science Centre Singapore (SCS) when it opened last Saturday.

Their parents, Mr Richard Sim, 44, and Madam Jane Koh, 39, were more than happy to allow them to race through the insides of a larger-than-life human body.

"Rachel just started learning about the human body in school and Jasper will be taking science next year. This will help them in their exams," said Madam Koh, as the two kids ran ahead in the exhibition area.

The HBX is an edutainment exhibition which let visitors explore the human anatomy through organs, muscles and body systems.

A joint venture between SCS and Australian-based company Newman Entertainment International, the exhibition offers a multi-sensory experience and would not be out of place in a theme park.

The interactive exhibition begins with a climb into the mouth of a 6m-tall human face, followed by a slide down the "throat".

Visitors are then taken through the five main body systems.

Strobe lighting, mist spray, unsteady surfaces and 3D videos combine to serve up an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Mr Marc Newman, creative director of Newman Entertainment International, said: "The HBX is the first of its kind in the world. We believe in education by inspiration. It is an experience, not just a display or museum."

SQUEALS OF DELIGHT

And a fun experience at that, judging by the squeals of delight coming from inside the exhibit.

For the Sims, it was also a post-examinations treat for the children and a family outing, as Madam Koh's sister, Joan, had brought her family of four along as well.

Madam Joan Koh, 38, was spotted clambering through the HBX with her son Adrian Ow Yang, 10.

"It's good exercise!" she exclaimed.

Her husband, Mr Ow Yang Chong Beng, 43, added: "I was surprised when Adrian explained to me that the mist spray was stomach acid, even I did not know that!

"I did not have this during my time. It's the best exhibit at the science centre we have seen."

CHEW ON THESE NUMBERS

Here are five interesting facts about The Human Body Experience (HBX) exhibition.

1. Million-dollar project: That's how Mr Marc Newman, creative director of Newman Entertainment International, describes the exhibition.

2. Two years: Time it took to design and conceptualise the HBX.

3. Nine months: Time taken to construct the exhibits.

4. Big crates: Exhibits were shipped here in five crates each about 12m long.

5. Four weeks: Time taken to assemble the exhibits.

WHERE: Science Centre Singapore, Hall B.
WHEN: Till May 31, 2016, 10am to 6pm
ADMISSION: $20 for adults and $15 for children (three to 12 years old). Price is inclusive of entry to the Science Centre Singapore.

wderek@sph.com.sg