The Visible Human Plexi-Book — San Francisco Exploratorium

Created in 2000 for the San Francisco Exploratorium’s Revealing Bodies exhibition, The Visible Human Plexi-Books transform digital anatomical data into monumental physical objects. Successive transparent layers align to form a complete standing human figure, creating an extraordinary three-dimensional interpretation of the traditional anatomical atlas.

Purple, magenta, and crimson anatomical structures appear suspended against a luminous white background, while the deep transparent frame reveals the layered construction of the installation. Derived from the National Library of Medicine’s Visible Human Project, the work brings together medical imaging, digital photography, anatomical cross-sections, sculpture, and exhibition design in a striking contemporary representation of the human body.

Artwork Details

• Artist: San Francisco Exploratorium
• Title: The Visible Human Plexi-Books
• Original title: The Visible Human Plexi-Books
• Series: Visible Human Project / Revealing Bodies
• Date: 2000
• Period: Contemporary
• Place of Origin: San Francisco, California, United States
• Medium: Layered Plexiglas installation using Visible Human digital anatomical imagery

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.