Steve Brusatte

“Imagine if the Mona Lisa was just owned by a super-wealthy person and it wasn't on display and people couldn't see it, couldn't enjoy it.”

Steve Brusatte · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-27

Brusatte drew an analogy to the Mona Lisa to argue that scientifically important fossils should remain on public display.

“We've really just found out that Nanotyrannus is real, and now one of the best skeletons is about to be sold to the highest bidder, and it's harrowing to think it could disappear into the vaults of a collector rather than displayed on a museum where it can wow and inspire kids and families and the public at large,”

Steve Brusatte · said 2026-10-27 · reported 2026-10-27

Brusatte responded to Tuesday's auction of Jodi by expressing concern the skeleton could disappear into a private collection.

“I don't know of any museum or university that can afford a price tag like that,”

Steve Brusatte · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-27

Brusatte told BBC World Service's What in the World programme in July that the T. rex auction was concerning.