This is a very cool, even extraordinary, museum.
—Shawn Hubler, LA Times

Oh, that’s so gross... Want to see it again?
—second grader in Surgery Theater, LA Times
The World of Life looks at systems all living organisms have in common, from respiration to reproduction, and more. To learn about circulation, you can ride a red blood cell through a human body, look at the vascular system of a cockroach, or try pumping blood to a giraffe’s brain.
The dramatic centerpiece of the gallery is The BodyWorks Theater. Through a mixture of animatronics and projected animation a 55-foot character, named Tess, introduces visitors to the concept of homeostasis. Her heart beats, lungs breathe, blood flows and nerves respond to demonstrate how our bodies stay in balance.

Exhibits that will educate, enthrall, challenge and amuse individuals of all ages…. Messages are delivered in ways unlikely to be forgotten.
—Shari Roan, LA Times

20,000 sq. ft.
Opened February 1998

CREDITS
Exhibit Development
California Science Center
West Office Exhibition Design

Exhibit Fabrication
Maltbie Associates

BodyWorks Theater, Director
Joseph Finneran

BodyWorks Theater, Writer
Dan DiStefano

BodyWorks Theater, Media Producer
Smith Entertainment, Inc.

Scenic and Body Fabrication
Attraction Services

Theatrical Lighting Designer
Lightswitch, Inc.

Discovery Room Fabrication
Design Craftsmen

Entrance Sign Fabrication
Attraction Services

AV Production
The Chedd-Angier Production Company

AV Integration
BBI Engineering, Inc.

Building Architect
Zimmer Gunsel Frasca Partnership

Web Photos
Mark Schwartz