The controversial Body Worlds exhibition, which opened in Frankfurt on 16 January, has attracted criticism from both the church and government officials.

The exhibition, which features around 20 real human bodies in various states of anatomical dissection, has been accused of ‘trampling on the human rights’ of the dead by Provost Helga Troesken in a Lutheran paper.

Frankfurt state officials have warned parents in a separate statement that the exhibition could ‘frighten and shock’ children under 14. It is the latest in a series of fierce criticisms that have been levelled at the exhibition around the world.

A recent vote by Munich’s town council has prohibited the exhibition from being shown in the city, stating that the public exhibition of the specimens was contrary to Bavarian burial laws and infringed human dignity.

In response, von Hagens said: “The prohibition of Body Worlds in Munich is globally singular in its censorship of medical-anatomical specimens.

“The Institut fur Plastination disputes this ruling and will pursue all possible legal avenues to ensure the opening of the exhibition.”

First launched in 1997, Gunther von Hagens’ exhibition came to Britain in March 2003 and had an extended run due to its overwhelming popularity. It has also visited Japan, Austria and Switzerland and, so far, attracted in excess of 14 million visitors.

The Frankfurt Body Worlds, or Koerperwelten, is due to run until 18 April, while The Singapore Body Worlds II exhibition will finish at the Singapore Expo on 8 February. Details: www.bodyworlds.com