Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2020

  • Work on this object began.

2021

2024

2025

  • You found it!

Model, 3D-printed Model of the Covid-19 Coronavirus

This is a Model. It was designed by Alissa Eckert and Dan Higgins and institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is dated 2020. Its medium is 3d-printed nylon. It is a part of the department.

This hand-painted 3D-printed model of the coronavirus was developed from the digital illustration created in January 2020 by medical illustrators at the CDC. The model was fabricated as a teaching tool employed in meetings and briefings in the early days of the Covid-19 outbreak when little was known about the virus. The model exemplifies the importance of rapid production techniques in communicating clear medical information during the pandemic. 

It is credited Gift of the CDC.

Its dimensions are

Diam.: 8.9 cm (3 1/2 in.)

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Acquired! Shaping the National Design Collection.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

For higher resolution or commercial use contact ArtResource.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318809522/ |title=Model, 3D-printed Model of the Covid-19 Coronavirus |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=10 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>