Anatomy According to Hollywood

Anatomy According To Hollywood

Have you ever watched a movie scene and thought, “There is no way the human body works like that”?

Step inside the Museum of Human Disease this National Science Week for an entertaining and fact-filled journey through human anatomy on screen. From cartoons and cult classics to horror films, comedies and medical dramas, this event explores famous movie and TV scenes to uncover what Hollywood gets right, what it gets very wrong, and what real anatomy can teach us along the way.

Using examples from Shrek, The Simpsons, House, Indiana Jones, Austin Powers, Jason and the Argonauts, A Nightmare on Elm Street 2, Poltergeist, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and more, Dr Kosta Kotsidis from the UNSW School of Biomedical Sciences will guide audiences through the body part by part, unpacking the myths, mistakes and misconceptions that shape how we think bodies work.

Before the lecture, visitors can explore the Museum of Human Disease, home to one of Australia’s most unique collections for learning about health, disease and the human body. Museum tours will run from 5 to 6 pm, followed by the lecture from 6 to 7 pm.

This free event is perfect for movie lovers, science fans, horror buffs and anyone curious about the human body. Join us on Thursday 20 August for a National Science Week event where film meets facts, anatomy meets pop culture, and movie myths go under the microscope.

Visitor Safety Information

The health and safety of our patrons is our top priority, and this event will abide by the Public Health Order prevailing at the time. Please follow our conditions of entry, and check back here for updated information prior to the event.

Do not attend the event if you feel unwell, have recently experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.

Access

Wheelchair Accessible

The Museum of Human Disease is located in the Samuel's Building UNSW Sydney's Kensington Campus (F25 on map). The closest accessible drop off point to the Scientia Building is the east entrance (F22 on map). Vehicles need to arrive via Gate 11 on Botany Street. The closest accessible parking is available in the Botany Street Parking Station (H23 on map).

Parking & Public Transport

UNSW is easily accessible via public transport. Call the Transport Infoline on 131 500 or visit transportnsw.info.

Paid casual and visitor parking is offered via the CellOPark App and ‘pay by plate meters’. For more information head here.

Assisted Listening

Assisted listening hearing loop can be provided upon request.

About National Science Week

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, bringing together schools, universities, museums, researchers and communities across the country.

The 2026 school theme is “Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all”, which celebrates curiosity, inquiry and the way scientific understanding grows when ideas are explored, shared and applied to the world around us.

Anatomy According to Hollywood connects with this theme by using familiar movie and TV moments as a starting point for discovery. A single question, “Could that really happen?”, can plant the seed for a deeper understanding of the human body. Through humour, pop culture and real anatomy, this event invites audiences to look more closely, ask better questions and grow their knowledge in a fun, accessible way.

At the Museum of Human Disease, we see science as something that should be shared, discussed and connected to real life. This National Science Week event is designed to nurture curiosity about human anatomy, health and disease, while showing that science can begin with something as simple as watching a movie and wondering what is really going on beneath the surface.

Info: Join us at the Museum of Human Disease a self-guided tour of the Museum of Human Disease - explore the incredible collection at your own pace before the main event!

Info: Join Dr Kosta Kotsidis in the Museum theatre for a fun and fact-filled look at how Hollywood portrays human anatomy.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Museum of Human Disease, Ground Floor, Sydney, Australia

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