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California Museums Attractions


         

Ableza

http://www.ableza.org

Aerospace Museum of California

http://www.mcclellanaviationmuseum.org

African American Firefighter Museum

Dedicated to collecting, conserving and sharing the heritage of African American firefighters. Information on education programs, organizations, museum history, and links to resources.

http://www.aaffmuseum.org

Agua Caliente Cultural Museum

http://www.accmuseum.org

Alameda Museum

Alameda history, geography, and the museum store.

http://www.alamedamuseum.org

American Museum of Beat Art

Dedicated to exploring and celebrating Beat Art and Beat Culture.

http://www.beatmuseum.org

Angels Attic

http://www.internetimpact.com/angelsattic/museum/museum.html

Antelope Valley Indian Museum

http://www.avim.parks.ca.gov

Antelope Valley Indian Museum

http://www.avim.av.org

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum

http://www.agsem.com

Armand Hammer Museum of Art & Cultural Center

Permanent collections include the Armand Hammer Collection of Art which is primarily composed of impressionist and post-impressionist works.

http://www.hammer.ucla.edu

Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

The Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture is one of the largest museums of its kind in the world.

http://www.asianart.org

Autry National Center

http://www.autry-museum.org

Autry National Center

Offers snapshots, descriptions and a map of seven permanent galleries displaying a comprehensive collection of Western heritage; information about special exhibitions and events.

http://www.autrynationalcenter.org

Aviation Museum of Santa Paula

A new museum site outlining the history and development of the historic Santa Paula Airport. Located in Santa Paula, California.

http://www.amszp.org

Banning Residence Museum

http://www.banningmuseum.org

Bay Area Discovery Museum

http://www.badm.org

Bay Area Discovery Museum

Features hands-on art, science, environmental and media exhibitions, performances, special events and ongoing educational curricula. Includes details of exhibits, hours, admission rates, memberships, volunteer opportunities, directions. Located in San Francisco, California.

http://www.baykidsmuseum.org

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Centre for study and education with museum, gallery and film archive. Exhibit highlights, calendar of events, and information on hours, fees, and location.

http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu

Blackhawk Automotive Museum

http://www.blackhawkauto.org

Bolinas Museum

http://www.bolinasmuseum.org

Bowers Museum

http://www.bowers.org

Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia

http://www.burlingamepezmuseum.com

California Academy of Sciences

Founded in 1853 as the first scientific institution in the western United States, our mission is to explore, explain, and protect the natural world.

http://www.calacademy.org

California African American Museum

Art, history and memorabilia related to the African American experience and culture. Offers a library available for research and educational programs. Site includes exhibits, visitor information, museum background, and more.

http://www.caamuseum.org

California Center for the Arts

Our mission is to promote the arts and their power for community building and enhancement, providing artistic, cultural, educational, social, and entertainment opportunities of the highest quality to enrich the lives of all within its reach.

http://www.artcenter.org

California Heritage Museum

http://www.californiaheritagemuseum.org

California Historical Society

Founded in 1871, the Society is California's official archives of historical information.

http://www.californiahistoricalsociety.org

California Living Museum

Displays and interprets native California animals, plants, fossils, and artifacts to teach a respect for all living things through education, recreation, conservation, and research.

http://www.calmzoo.org

California Museum for History, Women, and the Arts

http://www.californiamuseum.org

California Museum of Photography

An off-campus department of the University of California, Riverside, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. This site features contemporary photography exhibitions, digital and web art online and a vast searchable historical photography and camera collection.

http://www.cmp.ucr.edu

California Oil Museum

http://www.oilmuseum.net

California Route 66 Museum

http://www.califrt66museum.org

California Science Center

Hands-on museum of science and technology, with an IMAX 3D theater. Information for visitors, including descriptions and scientific background for many exhibits.

http://www.californiasciencecenter.org

California State Capitol Museum

http://www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov

California State Military Museum

Official military museum and historical research center of the State of California.

http://www.militarymuseum.org

California State Railroad Museum

Highlights museum attractions and activities. Details prices, membership levels, and facility rental services.

http://www.csrmf.org

California Surf Museum

Mission statement, exhibits, pictures, museum history, California surfing history, hours and location.

http://www.surfmuseum.org

Capitola Historical Museum

http://www.capitolamuseum.org

Carole & Barry Kaye Museum Of Miniatures

http://www.barrykaye.com/museum.html

Cartoon Art Museum

Exhibits showcase contemporary cartoons as art. Includes awards, volunteer information, and how to rent the facility.

http://www.cartoonart.org

Central California Historical Military Museum

Volunteers are preserving the 1942 Army Air Forces training base as a historical monument to the instructor pilots who trained and the young aviators who learned. Located at Eagle Field.

http://www.eaglefield.org

Children's Discovery Museum

http://www.cdm.org

Chinese American Museum

Shares the cultural history of Chinese though early immigration to settlement in America. Online book club and photo gallery.

http://www.camla.org

Computer History Museum

http://www.computerhistory.org

Coyote Point Museum

http://www.coyoteptmuseum.org

Craft and Folk Art Museum

Visitor information includes local artist resources, exhibitions, and public events.

http://www.cafam.org

Crocker Art Museum

Dedicated to promoting an awareness of and enthusiasm for human experience through art.

http://www.crockerartmuseum.org

Discovery Science Center

http://www.discoverycube.org

Drum Barracks Civil War Museum

http://www.drumbarracks.org

Eagle Field Central California Historical Military Museum

Offering dinner dances, military vehicles, vintage aircraft and automobiles. Dedicated to preserving historical military artifacts and the memories of heroic veterans. Located in Dos Palos.

http://www.eaglefield.net

Erotic Museum

Exhibitions of the range of human sexuality through the ages. Permanent collection includes Pablo Picasso and John Holmes.

http://www.theeroticmuseum.com

Estrella Warbirds Museum

Chartered in 1995 with the goal to preserve, perpetuate, and display American aviation history, especially that of our nation's military services. One of the few "fly-in or drive-in" facilities in the nation, located at Paso Robles Municipal Airport.

http://www.ewarbirds.org

Exploratorium

A hands-on museum of science, art, and human perception in San Francisco. Interactive online exhibits and exhibitions, activities, science news and publications, and general information about the museum.

http://www.exploratorium.edu

Explorit Science Center

http://www.explorit.org

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

The city's largest public arts institution, comprised of the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.

http://www.famsf.org

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Comprised of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, we are the largest public arts institution in the City of San Francisco and one of the largest art museums in the United States.

http://www.thinker.org

Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation & Aviation Museum

The MCAS Miramar "Flying Leathernecks" Museum (formerly the El Toro Command Museum) is the only Marine Corps Aviation museum and has forty-one airframes ranging from World War II to present day jet aircraft. Located at MCAS Miramar, California.

http://www.flyingleathernecks.org

Fort MacArthur Museum

http://www.ftmac.org

Fresno Art Museum

http://www.fresnoartmuseum.org

Fresno Metropolitan Museum

http://www.fresnomet.org

GLBT Historical Society

http://www.glbthistory.org

Golden Gate Railroad Museum

http://www.ggrm.org

Golden State Model Railroad Museum

http://www.gsmrm.org

Grace Hudson Museum

http://www.gracehudsonmuseum.org

Habitot Children's Museum

A nifty kids museum in downtown Berkeley. Current schedules.

http://www.habitot.org

Haggin Museum

For 70 years, The Haggin Museum has acquired, maintained, and exhibited two important types of collections, one composed of works of fine art and the other devoted to area history.

http://www.hagginmuseum.org

Hearst Castle

http://www.hearstcastle.org

Heritage Square Museum

http://www.heritagesquare.org

Hiller Aviation Museum

A new museum with a lot of potential, but only a general information web site. Located at the San Carlos Airport in San Carlos, California.

http://www.hiller.org

Hillier Air Museum

Includes photos of classic aircraft on display, hours and contact details. Located in hangar 7 at Modesto Airport.

http://www.hillierairmuseum.com

Hollywood Entertainment Museum

Features collections, museum events and photographs of exhibits including the original sets of Star Trek and Cheers; details of the Membership Program and Education Center for the Entertainment Arts.

http://www.hollywoodmuseum.com

Hollywood Museum

Features the historic Max Factor building.

http://www.thehollywoodmuseum.com

Hollywood Wax Museum

Index of famous people whose lifelike figures are displayed in theme settings. Includes the museum's history, location and hours.

http://www.hollywoodwax.com

Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum

http://www.surfingmuseum.org

Irvine Museum

http://www.irvinemuseum.org

J. Paul Getty Trust

Museum featuring the J. Paul Getty collection. Includes virtual museum, video gallery, lesson plans for teachers, news, stories, and museum research information.

http://www.getty.edu

Japanese American National Museum

Dedicated to sharing the experiences of Americans that are of Japanese ancestry. Visitor information includes events, museum departments, digital exhibitions, online store, and membership information.

http://www.janm.org

Judah L. Magnes Museum

Collects, preserves, and exhibits treasures of Jewish art, history, and culture from throughout the world.

http://www.magnesmuseum.org

Kern County Museum

http://www.kcmuseum.org

Kidspace Children's Museum

Children's museum providing exhibits and programs in the arts, sciences, and humanities that promote imagination, exploration, and discovery. Calendar, exhibits, programs, and membership.

http://www.kidspacemuseum.org

Korean American Museum

Information about the Koreans including their history, community, accomplishments, and organizations. Includes programs and education information.

http://www.kamuseum.org

Korean Cultural Center

Museum and library operated by the Korean government's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Includes an online guide to Korea, movie of the month, class information, and exhibition information.

http://www.kccla.org

Lace Museum

http://www.thelacemuseum.org

Laguna Art Museum

http://www.lagunaartmuseum.org

Lawrence Hall of Science

http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu

Lindsay Wildlife Museum

A wildlife rehabilitation and educational center that focuses on native California wildlife and natural history for live, non-releasable native wildlife in Walnut Creek, California, that was founded in 1955, the Museum is the oldest and one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, treating more than 6,000 injured or orphaned wild animals each year.

http://www.wildlife-museum.org

Long Beach Fire Museum

http://www.lbfd-museum.org

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Holds more than 150,000 works spanning the history of art from ancient times to the present. Exhibition highlights, online art collection, education program information, and an online store.

http://www.lacma.org

Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society

Features the historic Station 27 through a photo gallery and archives of the former firehouse.

http://www.lafdhs.com

Los Angeles Maritime Museum

http://www.lamaritimemuseum.org

Los Angeles Police Historical Society

Historical society and museum of the LAPD. Site includes a newsletter, museum slideshow, and online book store.

http://www.laphs.com

March Field Air Museum

A museum of primarily Air Force aircraft with an excellent post-WW2 collection. Website navigation leads to other sites for details. Located in Riverside, California.

http://www.marchfield.org

Maritime Museum of San Diego

http://www.sdmaritime.com

Maturango Museum

http://www.maturango.org

McHenry Museum & Historical Society

http://www.mchenrymuseum.org

Mexican Museum

Devoted to the Hispanic heritage of the Americas. Information on permanent collections, exhibitions, and events.

http://www.mexicanmuseum.org

Mingei International Museum

Museum of world folk arts. Information about exhibitions, museum history, educational programs, staff, location, and hours.

http://www.mingei.org

MOCA The Museum of Contemporary Art

One museum with three locations, California Plaza, Geffen Contemporary, and Pacific Design Center. Includes digital galleries, online archive of collections, education program information, exhibit list, and an online store.

http://www.moca.org

Mocha Museum of Children's Art

Offers classes and exhibits in its museum, in the schools, in the community.

http://www.mocha.org

Moffett Field Museum

Home of the Moffett Field Historical Society and Museum. Located on Moffett Field, Sunnyvale, California.

http://www.moffettfieldmuseum.org

Monterey Museum of Art

http://www.montereyart.org

Movieland Wax Museum

http://www.movielandwaxmuseum.com

Museo ItaloAmericano

Italian and Italian-American art and culture. Exhibits, language and enrichment classes, gift shop, and weekly newsletter.

http://www.museoitaloamericano.org

Museum of California Design

http://www.mocad.org

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

General information, news, events, exhibitions, permanent collection, programs, and membership.

http://www.mcasandiego.org

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

The most significant contemporary museum in the San Diego and Tijuana region, MCA is one museum with two locations in La Jolla and San Diego, California.

http://www.mcasd.org

Museum of Flying

Home of the original Donald Douglas Museum now houses flying World War 2 fighter aircraft. Located in Santa Monica, California.

http://www.museumofflying.com

Museum of Jurassic Technology

An educational institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the public appreciation of the Lower Jurassic.

http://www.mjt.org

Museum of Latin American Art

The museum is located in the newly developing East Village Arts District of Long Beach, California and features contemporary Latin American art.

http://www.molaa.com

Museum of Local History

http://www.museumoflocalhistory.org

Museum of Making Music

http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org

Museum of Neon Art

Exhibits, documents, and preserves contemporary fine art in electric media and examples of neon signs. Includes information about workshops and city cruises, and an online gallery.

http://www.neonmona.org

Museum of Photographic Arts

Information about museum history, collections, exhibitions, films, and programs.

http://www.mopa.org

Museum of Television & Radio

Located in New York and California, the Museum founded by William S. Paley is the world's foremost institution dedicated to collect and preserve the best of television and radio programming and advertising

http://www.mtr.org

Museum of Tolerance

Hands-on museum that focuses on racism and the Holocaust. Multimedia learning center, virtual exhibits, teacher's resources, special collections, and information about museum programs.

http://www.museumoftolerance.com

Museum of Vertebrate Zoology

A center for research and education in the biology of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

http://mvz.berkeley.edu

Napa Valley Museum

http://www.napavalleymuseum.org

National Liberty Ship Memorial - SS Jeremiah O'Brien

Tours, cruises, and volunteer information for ship that was part of the D-Day Armada.

http://www.ssjeremiahobrien.org

National Steinbeck Center

http://www.steinbeck.org

National Yo-Yo Museum

http://www.nationalyoyo.org/museum/index.htm

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Natural science and cultural history museum located in Exposition Park. Contains collection information, online presentations, kid's section, museum facts, events and exhibits, education and research resources, and illustration galleries.

http://www.nhm.org

Niles Depot

http://nilesdepot.railfan.net

Norton Simon Museum

Collection of European paintings and sculpture ranging from the 14th to the 20th century. Exhibitions update and events calendar published.

http://www.nortonsimon.org

Oakland Museum of California

Museum specializes in the natural science, history and art of the Golden State. Site describes current exhibitions, permanent galleries and projects, and provides information about the museum, its history and membership.

http://www.museumca.org

Oakland Western Aerospace Museum

http://www.westernaerospacemuseum.org

Oran Z Pan African Black Facts & Wax Museum

Historical wax figures, memorabalia, cultural artifacts, library, and documents of accomplishments related to African and African American history. Museum information and photo gallery.

http://www.oransblackmuseum.com

Orange County Museum of Art

Collection of nineteenth century and contemporary art.

http://www.ocma.net

Pacific Asia Museum

Exhibitions, public programs, and collections featuring the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org

Pacific Coast Air Museum

http://pacificcoastairmuseum.org

Pacific Coast Air Museum

Site provides detailed coverage of the museum and its aircraft. Located at Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa, California.

http://www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

San Diego Railroad Museum. Hands on display of historic railroad artifacts. Excursions and rail tours to California and Mexico are available.

http://www.sdrm.org

Page Museum La Brea Tar Pits

Contains fossils from the last great ice age. Fossil excavation information, ice age facts and teacher resources.

http://www.tarpits.org

Palm Springs Air Museum

Site gives good coverage of the museum with some pictures and background of Bob Pond's collection of WW2 aircraft. Located at Palm Springs Airport, Palm Springs, California.

http://www.air-museum.org

Palm Springs Art Museum

http://www.psmuseum.org

Pasadena Museum of California Art

Museum dedicated to California art and artists from 1850 to the present. Exhibits include painting, graphic design, architecture, and photography.

http://www.pmcaonline.org

Pasadena Museum of History

Devoted to local history and culture. Exhibitions, events, educational programs, and visitor information.

http://www.pasadenahistory.org

Petaluma Museum

http://www.petalumamuseum.com

Petersen Automotive Museum

Examines the cultural impact of cars on society and the history of the automobile. Contains Kid's Corner, vehicle search, and exhibition archive.

http://www.petersen.org

Planes of Fame Air Museum

A fairly extensive site with background and some great pictures of the museum's aircraft and restorations. (Also some coverage of the museum's Grand Canyon location at Valle, Arizona.) Located at Chino Airport in Chino, California.

http://www.planesoffame.org

Randall Museum

Natural history museum offers classes, interactive exhibits and meeting space for area clubs.

http://www.randallmuseum.org

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

http://www.rhfleet.org

Rhodes Jewish Historical Foundation

Celebrates the history of the Jews of Rhodes. Online exhibits, photo galleries, audio files, recipes, history, and online giftshop.

http://www.rhodesjewishmuseum.org

Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace Foundation

It is a privately supported, non-profit institution dedicated to educating the public about the life and times of the 37th President and encouraging interest in history, government and public affairs.

http://www.nixonfoundation.org

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum San Francisco

Home of the odd and unusual, located on Fisherman's Wharf.

http://www.ripleysf.com

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

http://www.egyptianmuseum.org

Ruth & Sherman Lee Institute for Japanese Art

http://www.shermanleeinstitute.org

San Bernardino County Museum

http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/museum

San Diego Air & Space Museum

General information, news, membership, exhibits, virtual tour, and education programs. Located in San Diego, California.

http://www.aerospacemuseum.org

San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum

The U.S.S. Midway opened in 2004 as a naval aviation museum. Museum information, exhibits, programs, and ship history.

http://www.midway.org

San Diego Automotive Museum

General information, hours, admission, location map, history, exhibits, membership, and links to local clubs.

http://www.sdautomuseum.org

San Diego Children's Museum

Provides interactive educational experiences that promote learning through the arts. Exhibits, calendar, museum school, gallery, membership, and admission information.

http://www.sdchildrensmuseum.org

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

Includes an Asian garden, a small library, and exhibits related to Chinese history. Hours, location, and information about the collection.

http://www.sdchm.org

San Diego Hall of Champions

Offers interactive exhibits and memorabilia celebrating San Diego sports history, plus traveling exhibits. Events, exhibits, programs, and information about athletes represented.

http://www.sdhoc.com

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

General information, exhibits, clubs, educational programs, photograph gallery, and coming events.

http://www.sdmrm.org

San Diego Museum of Art

Information about the museum, the permanent collection, special exhibitions, and programs.

http://www.sdmart.org

San Diego Museum of Man

Anthropological museum containing artifacts, folk art, and archaeological finds. Exhibits, education, membership, events, publications, history, location, and hours.

http://www.museumofman.org

San Diego Natural History Museum

Focuses on southern California and Baja California. Events calendar, research, education, exhibits, field guide, kids' area, and general information.

http://www.sdnhm.org

San Francisco Airport Commission

Art exhibitions staged at the regional airport.

http://www.sfoarts.org

San Francisco Fire Museum

http://www.sffiremuseum.org

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The first museum on the West Coast devoted solely to twentieth-century art opened in 1935. It features painting, sculpture, architecture, design and media arts.

http://www.sfmoma.org

San Jose Museum of Art

Dedicated to visual culture in Silicon Valley. It is a community anchor, ensuring artistic excellence and access for an extraordinarily diverse populace. It is a contemporary art center whose acclaimed exhibitions have ranged across modern masterworks to the newest frontiers of art.

http://www.sjmusart.org

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

http://www.sbmm.org

Santa Barbara Museum of Art

http://www.sbmuseart.org

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

http://www.sbnature.org

Santa Maria Museum of Flight

Located at the former Allan Hancock Air Field. Hours of operation, map, airport history, photos, and contact information.

http://www.smmof.org

Santa Monica Museum of Art

Contemporary art museum, located in the Bergamot Station Arts Center. Exhibitions by emerging and established international artists.

http://www.smmoa.org

Sherman Indian Museum

http://www.shermanindianmuseum.org

Silicon Valley Art Museum

http://www.svam.org

Skirball Cultural Center

A museum and more that includes changing exhibitions, music, theater, comedy, film, literary programs, Zeidler's Café, and Audrey's Museum store. Includes information on lifelong learning and school programs, and exhibit information.

http://www.skirball.org

Society of California Pioneers

http://www.californiapioneers.org

Sonoma County Museum

http://www.sonomacountymuseum.com

South Coast Railroad Museum

http://www.goletadepot.org

Stowitts Museum and Library

http://www.stowitts.org

Sun Gallery

http://www.sungallery.org

Tech Museum of Innovation

Inspires and educates the innovators of the future.

http://www.thetech.org

The Edward-Dean Museum

http://www.edward-deanmuseum.org

The Judah L. Magnes Museum

http://www.magnes.org

Timken Museum of Art

Displays American, Dutch, Flemish, French, Italian, and Spanish paintings, plus Russian icons. Events calendar. Index of artists and paintings.

http://www.timkenmuseum.org

Triton Museum of Art

Exists both to embrace and expand the lives of the people of Santa Clara County and the Greater Bay Area through a program of art, education and community involvement.

http://www.tritonmuseum.org

Turtle Bay Exploration Park

http://www.turtlebay.org

U.S. Naval Museum of Armament & Technology

Focuses on the heritage and accomplishments of the China Lake military-civilian-industry team. Includes hours, membership application and directions.

http://www.chinalakemuseum.org

UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History

Focuses on art and culture from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas. Online collections and exhibition details.

http://www.fowler.ucla.edu

University Art Museum

http://www.uam.ucsb.edu

University of California Museum of Paleontology

Collections include fossil and modern organisms representing prokaryotes to vertebrates collected from all continents. Limited exhibits open to the public.

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu

USS Hornet Museum

Naval museum depicts 200 year history of this ship. Offers detailed gallery and layout with tour information and events schedule.

http://www.uss-hornet.org

Ventura County Museum of History & Art

http://www.venturamuseum.org

Veterans Museum & Memorial Center

http://www.sdvmc.org

Wende Museum

http://www.wendemuseum.org

Western America Railroad Museum

http://www.barstowrailmuseum.org

Western Museum of Flight

This site features Northrup aircraft and has excellent background and photos on some unique aircraft. Located in Hawthorne, California.

http://www.wmof.com

Western Railway Museum

Specializes in the history of electric railway transportation, particularly in the Western USA and California.

http://www.wrm.org

Whittier Museum

http://www.whittiermuseum.org

William S. Hart Ranch and Museum

http://www.hartmuseum.org

Wings of History Museum

The museum features antique and classic aircraft (including sailplanes) and their restoration. Site furnishes some photos and history. Information about their unique propeller shop with an excellent history of Ole Fahlin, the pioneer propeller maker. Located at South County Airport in San Martin, California.

http://www.wingsofhistory.org

Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum

http://www.homesteadmuseum.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

http://www.ybca.org

Zeum

Art and technology center featuring interactive art exhibitions, live music and theater performances, and educational programs.

http://www.zeum.org

Zimmer Children's Museum

Interactive exhibits and special programs for children and families. Contains lists of exhibits, programs and workshops.

http://www.zimmermuseum.org




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