Public Display
Human bodies, body parts and specimens may be put on public display, for example as part of an exhibition in a gallery or museum. If they are from the body of a deceased person who died less than 100 years ago, the premises must be licensed by the HTA for public display.
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In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, consent must be given by the person themselves for any part of their body to be displayed in public. If the person wants to give consent for their body, or any part of it, to be displayed after their death, their consent must be written and witnessed. HTA regulation of the activity of public display provides assurance to the public that bodies or tissue from the deceased that are displayed to the public are handled with care and treated with respect.
The HTA considers that the same consent expectations should apply for imported bodies and body parts as set out in paragraphs 37 to 40 of our Code of Practice D: Public Display as for such material sourced domestically (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), unless the HTA is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances for not doing so.
Updated on
11 Apr, 2026
Codes of Practice
Here you can find our Codes of Practice, practical guidance to professions carrying out activities we regulate.
Updated on
30 Mar, 2026
Public Display Licensing Standards and Guidance
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Advice for those involved in the sale or purchase of human bodies, body parts or tissue.
Updated on
28 Oct, 2025
Storage of human material for teaching by schools and colleges
Advice for schools and colleges using human material for use in teaching.
Updated on
04 May, 2023
Guidance on public display and imported material
A key principle of the Human Tissue Act (HT Act) is that all human bodies, body parts and tissue should be treated with appropriate respect and dignity. It is...
Updated on
04 May, 2023
Public display of anatomical specimens FAQs
Human bodies, body parts and specimens may be put on public display, for example as part of an exhibition in a gallery or museum. If they are from the body of...
Updated on
03 Oct, 2025
Record retention FAQs
Human bodies, body parts and specimens may be put on public display, for example as part of an exhibition in a gallery or museum. If they are from the body of...
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