Fauci Donates 3D Model of SARS-CoV-2 to Smithsonian Museum

Dr. Fauci, holding a 3-dimensional model of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, pinches one of the orange spikes.

NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci recently donated his personal 3D model of the SARS-CoV-2 virion.

Photo: Smithsonian National Museum of American History

NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci donated his personal 3D model of the SARS-CoV-2 virion to the national medicine and science collections at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

The donation was presented virtually to the museum’s Elizabeth MacMillan Director Anthea M. Hartig during the Mar. 2 “Great Americans Program” in which Fauci received the museum’s signature honor, the Great Americans medal. As part of the program, philanthropist and Smithsonian Regent David M. Rubenstein interviewed Fauci.

A blue ball with protruding orange spikes sits on a wooden base.

3D model of SARS-CoV-2

Photo: NIAID

The “Great Americans” medal is awarded for lifetime contributions embodying American ideas and ideals, and honors individuals who not only have made a lasting impact in their fields, but also whose philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors set them apart.

During the past year, the museum has canvassed the nation asking the public what it should collect to remember and document this pandemic through a digital platform, “Stories of 2020.” For more information, visit: https://americanhistory.si.edu/story-submission.