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Home / Exhibits / Past Exhibits
Past Exhibitions
The Houston Museum of Natural Science has hosted many world-class exhibitions. Below is a list of the major exhibitions HMNS has presented since 2000 (in chronological order from most recent).
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May 22 – October 18, 2009
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Terra Cotta Warriors:
Guardians of China's First Emperor
May 22, 2009 - October 18, 2009
The Houston Museum of Natural Science presents one of the most extraordinary archaeological finds of the 20th century, considered by many to be the Eighth Wonder of the World: terra cotta warriors from the tomb complex of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Intended to protect him throughout eternity, the warriors stood guard over a vast necropolis commissioned by the Emperor when he was only 13 years old. Marvel at more than 100 amazing objects, the largest display of terra cotta figures and tomb artifacts to travel to the U.S.
Learn more.
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May 8 – September 7, 2009
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The Nature of Diamonds
May 8 – September 7, 2009
Diamonds are some of the most beautiful and alluring treasures on the planet. From their birth deep in the earth to their prominent place in world culture, The Nature of Diamonds takes visitors through the amazing transformations of these precious gems. Discover the rarest and most dazzling gems from collections throughout the world as the exhibit explores the human fascination with diamonds and provides an in-depth look at them as a natural substance. Delve into their geological origins, learn how they are mined, explore their cultural significance in art, literature and adornment and marvel at their numerous uses in modern science and technology. From the volcanoes that bring these gorgeous crystals to the surface to the fabulous jeweled masterpieces created by man, discover the rich history of this amazing mineral. Learn More.
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February 27 - September 7, 2009
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Genghis Khan
February 27 - September 7, 2009
Born with nothing, he rose to become the most powerful man of his time, conquering nations to build the largest empire the world had ever seen. Discover the spectacular innovation, the technological mastery, the engineering marvels, and the cultural sophistication of the world’s greatest conqueror – Genghis Khan – in this spectacular and uniquely interactive exhibition. Learn More.
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December 12, 2008 - April 12, 2009
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The Birth of Christianity:
A Jewish Story
December 12, 2008 – April 12, 2009
Explore the cultural, political and personal events that shaped Jerusalem and the surrounding region more than 2,000 years ago in The Birth of Christianity: A Jewish Story. Examine ancient manuscripts including The War Scroll - one of the original Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran. Witness history first hand and be among the first to view a host of other authentic artifacts from this fascinating time and place, which to this day remains one of the world's most important and influential cultural intersections.
Learn More.
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September 12, 2008 - February 22, 2009
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BODY WORLDS 2 & The Brain - Our Three Pound Gem
September 12, 2008 - February 22, 2009
Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 2 & The Brain – Our Three Pound Gem: The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies is a new exhibition featuring more than 200 real human body specimens, including more than 20 whole bodies; healthy and unhealthy organs; and body parts and slices; all preserved through a remarkable process called Plastination. Subtitled “The Three Pound Gem,” the show features findings in neuroscience on brain development and function; brain disease and disorders; and brain performance and improvement.
Invented by physician and anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens, Plastination is a method for extracting bodily fluids and soluble fat from specimens, and replacing them, through vacuum forced impregnation, with reactive resins and polymers. As a result of this process, visitors to BODY WORLDS will actually see inside the human body,
learn how it works and how it can be affected by disease and lifestyle choices.
Learn More.
Dinosaur Mummy CSI: Cretaceous Science Investigation
September 26, 2008 - January 11, 2009
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, in association with the Judith River Foundation, developed Dinosaur Mummy CSI: Cretaceous Science Investigation, a world premiere exhibition featuring Leonardo, the most perfectly fossilized plant-eating dinosaur ever discovered—with almost all of his skin still intact.
Learn More.
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Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius
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Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius
March 7 – September 14, 2008
Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest geniuses the world has ever known. More than 500 years ago, Da Vinci designed flying machines, robots, submarines, underwater breathing gear and solar powered industries. This remarkable internationally acclaimed exhibition displays over 60 models of Da Vinci's famous machines, inventions and designs based on ancient codices. .
Lucy's Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia
August 31, 2007 – September 1, 2008
World Premiere, Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall of Special Exhibitions
Discover the rich history and culture of Ethiopia, the cradle of mankind. From the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the massive, ancient obelisks at Axum to the beautiful highlands of Gondar and the arid desert in which the famous fossil Lucy was discovered, Lucy’s Legacy tells the amazing story of Ethiopia over the past 5 million years. In addition to the fossil of Lucy, over 100 artifacts such as ancient manuscripts and royal artifacts from a dynasty Ethiopians believe stretches back to the son of the biblical King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba will be on display. .
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Geopalooza! A Hard Rock Anthology
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Geopalooza! A Hard Rock Anthology
May 23 - August 24, 2008
Spotlighting all manner of the Earth’s natural treasures in a groovy environment, Geopalooza! A Hard Rock Anthology is the ultimate rock experience. On view throughout the summer, this special exhibition is a rockhound’s psychedelic dream made reality. .
CSI: The Experience
February 1 - April 30, 2008
You've seen the hit television crime drama, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on CBS. Now, there’s a forensic science exhibition related to the TV show that lets YOU be the expert. On February 1, 2008, the Houston Museum of Natural Science proudly unveiled CSI: The Experience, an immersive, interactive forensic science exhibition that invites people to use real science to solve hypothetical crimes in an exciting multimedia environment. .
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Emerald Tree Boa
© D. Finnin/AMNH
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Lizards & Snakes
September 21, 2007 - January 6, 2008
Lizards & Snakes showcases live animals and their remarkable adaptations, including projectile tongues, deadly venom, amazing camouflage, and sometimes surprising modes of locomotion. Representing 26 species occurring in countries such as Australia, Cuba, Egypt, Guatemala, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Sudan, and the United States, the specimens range from a four-inch Tropical Girdled Lizard to a fourteen-foot Burmese Python and are shown in re-created habitats complete with ponds, tree limbs, rock ledges, and live plants.
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Painted Pottery Tomb Guardian
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Treasures from Shanghai:
5,000 Years of Chinese Art and Culture
September 14, 2007 - January 6, 2008
Treasures from Shanghai: 5,000 Years of Chinese Art and Culture features 77 sets of objects from the Neolithic period (circa 3000 B.C.) to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.). This incredible collection, on loan for the first time from the acclaimed Shanghai Museum, portrays the evolution of Chinese technology, art and culture utilizing rare examples of bronze vessels, oracle bones, polychrome potteries, sculptures, porcelains, paintings, jade/bamboo carvings and lacquer works. It is only the third collection ever brought to the United States from the Shanghai Museum and the first in more than 20 years. .
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February 23 - July 29, 2007
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Imperial Rome
February 23 - July 29, 2007
Explore the magnificence of Imperial Rome during its reign as the dominant political, economic and military power of the western civilized world. Take a glimpse into life during the Roman Empire from 27 BC to the middle of the third century AD as you encounter objects related to elaborate banquets, Roman baths, religious beliefs, public ceremonies, successful trade systems and powerful emperors. Although Rome began as a small village of huts near the banks of the Tiber River in the eighth century BC, by the middle of the third century AD, Rome was the dominant political, economic and military power of the western civilized world. .
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Blue Poison Dart Frog
Image:
© John Netherton, Clyde Peeling's Reptiland
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Frogs! A Chorus of Colors
January 19 – May 6, 2007
Frogs! A Chorus of Colors introduces visitors to the amazing and sonorous world of anurans - the frogs. These fascinating amphibians are among the most visually stunning, vocally pleasing and adaptively remarkable life forms on earth. The exhibit includes over 150 live frogs! Learn about their rich and diverse world, explore their evolution, biological importance to ecosystems and the threats they face in changing environments. .
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Benjamin Franklin Drawing
Electricity from the Sky
Benjamin West, Philadelphia Museum of Art
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Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World
October 13, 2006 - January 21, 2007
Happy 300th Birthday, Ben! He drew lightning from the sky, helped establish the first public hospital, university and library, and went on to shape an independent and unified nation, as well as the American character. He was a printer, writer, scientist, inventor, civic leader, revolutionary and international diplomat. He was one of the more extraordinary men of his time — and ours. .
BODY WORLDS 3: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies
February 25 - September 4, 2006
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and The Lester and Sue Smith Foundation, announces the debut of Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 3: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies, including never-before-seen whole-body plastinates.
Created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, BODY WORLDS 3 is the culmination of the German scientist and physician’s 30-year career in anatomy. Like its predecessors, BODY WORLDS 3 presents more than 200 authentic specimens, including organs and whole body specimens, that have undergone Plastination—von Hagens’ groundbreaking method of halting decomposition and preserving the body after death for medical study, which he invented in 1977. But von Hagens says the Houston exhibit captures the evolution and refinement of his invention to its outer limits. .
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Gold and Lapis Bull-Headed Lyre
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The Royal Tombs of Ur: Ancient Treasures from Modern Iraq
February 24 – August 13, 2006
For centuries, the royal tombs of Ur in modern-day Iraq, known in the Bible as the home of the patriarch Abraham, lay concealed. In the 1920s an excavation by The British Museum and the University of Pennsylvania Museum revealed troves of Sumerian treasures dating back to 2600 B.C. The Royal Tombs of Ur: Ancient Treasures from Modern Iraq will feature more than 400 rare and exquisite Sumerian artifacts from the excavation of this famed Mesopotamian city. .
Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries
March 10 - July 30, 2006
The understanding of dinosaur biology has evolved considerably during the past two decades. Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries explains this evolution and highlights the cutting-edge research and technology used by scientists and paleontologists. This spectacular exhibition takes an in-depth look at how these developments have helped scientists better understand these creatures’ behavioral and physical characteristics, and provides more insight into the puzzling mystery of their extinction. .
Mummy: the inside story
September 30, 2005 - February 12, 2006
For years, the only way to learn about Egyptian mummies was to unwrap them - a destructive and ultimately irreversible process. With the help of modern technology scientists are now able to perform CT scans, which provide a look under the wrappings and inside the mummified remains. Mummy: the inside story dives into current technology and takes visitors on an exciting virtual tour beneath the sarcophagus lid - traveling to the past to learn more about life and death in Ancient Egypt. .
Diana, A Celebration
October 21, 2005 - February 5, 2006
Direct from the Althorp Estate in England, the ancestral home of the Spencer family, comes this extraordinary exhibition celebrating the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales. On display will be rare home movies filmed by Diana’s father, childhood letters and treasured personal possessions, and 28 stunning designer dresses demonstrating Diana’s use of style to draw attention to the causes in which she believed so passionately. Also featured will be Diana’s spectacular royal wedding gown, original family jewels, artifacts, paintings and more. Don’t miss this rare and intimate glimpse into the life of the people’s princess. .
Gold! Natural Treasure, Cultural Obsession
February 18 - September 18, 2005
Gold inspired the madness of gold rushes, held steadfast in value through world turmoil and transformed into objects of pure beauty. Alluring, fascinating and precious, this noble metal has inspired millions, adorned the powerful—and changed the world. Gold! Natural Treasure, Cultural Obsession provides visitors the chance to explore the role of gold in science, history, art, culture and myth. .
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The One Ring
Image © New Line Productions, Inc.
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The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy:
The Exhibition
June 4 - August 28, 2005
This touring exhibition has been created by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa), who were granted exclusive rights by New Line Cinema to produce an exhibition based on The Lord of the Rings film trilogy produced in New Zealand and directed by Peter Jackson. Since closing at Te Papa, this exhibition has toured to some of the world's major cities including Boston, London, Sydney, Singapore and now, Houston. Te Papa thanks the New Zealand Government for supporting this exhibition.
Click for more information.
Tibet: Treasures from the Roof of the World
October 16, 2004 - January 9, 2005
The 120 masterpieces included in this ground-breaking exhibition range from the 11th through the early 20th century. These objects were made for, used by, and given as gifts to the Dalai Lamas. This exhibition has never been displayed in the West and will only be featured at four U.S. venues. This exhibit was organized by The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in collaboration with the Bureau of Cultural Relics, Tibet Autonomous Region, the Patola Palace, and the Tibet Museum. for more information.
Dead Sea Scrolls
October 1, 2004 - January 2, 2005
The Dead Sea Scrolls are ranked among the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Rarely seen outside Jerusalem, selections of these 2000 year-old documents as well as over eighty archaeological treasures will be on view. The scrolls survived in hidden caves for over twenty centuries only to be discovered in l947 by a Bedouin shepherd searching for a lost goat. Since then, scholars have worked to preserve, restore and translate these priceless relics. This exhibition features 12 scroll fragments. Organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority and The Dead Sea Scrolls Foundation with the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
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Machu Picchu: Unveiling
the Mystery of the Incas
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Machu Picchu: Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas
June 18 - August 29, 2004
This exhibit invites visitors to travel into the past, first to the famed archaeological site with the 1911 Yale Peruvian Scientific Expedition and then further back in time to when Machu Picchu functioned as an Inca country palace in the late 15th century. The exhibit features more than 400 objects collected by noted Yale professor of Latin American Studies and archaeologist Hiram Bingham. This exhibit was organized by Yale University with support from the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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The Gem Carvings of Gerd Dreher,
A Faberge Legacy
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The Gem Carvings of Gerd Dreher, A Fabergé Legacy
April - August 2004
For centuries, the picturesque twin villages of Idar-Oberstein, nestled near the Rhine and Mosel River Valleys in Southwestern Germany, have supported a very important gem carving tradition. Agate and other hard stone carvings have always been Idar's signature. This exhibition features the works of master carver Gerd Dreher and will also include a selection of 125-150 of Dreher's life-like animal carvings, complemented by natural mineral crystals and gem carving rough. This exhibition is organized by the HMNS. for more information.
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Chocolate: The Exhibition
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Chocolate: The Exhibition
February 14 - May 9, 2004
Chocolate explores the lush environment in which the cacao tree originated, tracing its transformation from the rainforest to a locally consumed food, medium of regional exchange, and eventually to the world market as an economic commodity. Visitors will discover chocolate's impact on human cultures and tropical ecosystems. This exhibit was organized by the Field Museum. to learn more.
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Pearls: A Natural History
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The Nature of Pearls
September 27, 2003 – January 18, 2004
Formed in the dark of mollusk shells, pearls glow with an inner radiance. This spectacular exhibit is the most comprehensive presentation ever mounted on pearls: weaving science, art, literature, history and fabulous jewelry into the story of pearl-forming mollusks, part of the most diverse animal phyla on Earth. Organized by American Museum of Natural History, New York, in collaboration with The Field Museum, Chicago.
National Geographic Channel presents SuperCroc
June 6 – August 10, 2003
This exhibition highlights National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Paul Sereno's groundbreaking discovery of a giant, 110-million-year-old crocodilian, Sarcosuchus imperato. The fossilized skull and partial skeleton were discovered in the harsh dessert of the Niger. SuperCroc is over 40 feet long and weighed nearly 10 tons, making this a huge find both in terms of size and significance. National Geographic Channel presents SuperCroc in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
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The Living Genome:
Reading the Book of Life
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The Living Genome: Reading the Book of Life
April 26 - October 15, 2004
Examine the mysteries of life as scientific research cracks the code on DNA,
genetics and the building blocks of the human body. This exhibition is organized and produced by the HMNS in cooperation with Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center.
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Saint Peter and the Vatican:
The Legacy of the Popes
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Saint Peter and The Vatican
March 2 - July 27, 2003
This comprehensive exhibition highlights the historic role of the Popes of the Catholic Church from St. Peter to Pope John Paul II. This historic exhibition will present over 300 important pieces illustrating the importance of the liturgical life in the Vatican and the far reaching influence of the church throughout history. Produced by Clear Channel Exhibitions in collaboration with the Vatican Museums and Art Services International in association with Trident Media Group.
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Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
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Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
May 17, 2002 – January 5, 2003
Presented in a previously untold manner, a visible and tangible perception of the Titanic is made available to the general public. This exhibition is made possible by Clear Channel Entertainment and RMS Titanic, the exclusive salvor of the wreck of the Titanic.
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Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga
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Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga
July 14 - October 14, 2001
This is not a tale of horn-helmeted marauders but of farmers and fisherman, husbands and wives, who managed to settle and survive in one of the last regions of the globe to be populated. Follow along with the first Europeans to reach North American shores from their origins in Scandinavia. This exhibition was developed by the National Museum of Natural History in cooperation with the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the state museum of the 5 Nordic Countries.
The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition
February 10 - May 6, 2001
This exhibition documents the dramatic, near-fatal expedition to Antarctica led by Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1914. After being trapped in pack ice for nine months, the expedition ship, the Endurance, was crushed by ice and sank. Shackleton led his men back to safety in an epic journey of appalling conditions. This exhibition was developed by the American Museum of Natural History, New York.
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Secret World of the Forbidden City:
Splendors from China's Imperial Palace
1644-1911
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Secret World of the Forbidden City: Splendors from China’s Imperial Palace, 1644-1911
March 9 - June 3, 2001, Herzstein Gallery, Second Floor
This exhibit includes artifacts from the Quing Dynasty (1644-1911) many of which have never before been shown in North America. Included are magnificent court costumes, imperial jewelry, crowns, thrones, furniture and artwork of the Emperor Qianlong. Also included will be historically important items such as the music box and bicycle given to Emperor Xuantong, known as the Last Emperor. Through these precious artifacts visitors to the exhibit will explore the ceremonial and private life of the monarchs of the last dynasty. The exhibit was organized by the Palace Museum, Beijing, the Peoples’ Republic of China, and The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Santa Ana, California.
Voyages of Discovery
October 9, 2000 - January 7, 2001
Naturalists’ journeys to distant lands have changed our view of the world. This exhibition looks at some major British voyagers of the last three centuries. The rare treasures they brought back will be on display, including precious specimens and exquisite artworks, all put into the context of our increasing knowledge of the natural world. The exhibition Voyages of Discovery was organized by The Natural History Museum, London.
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Kremlin Gold: 1000 Years of
Russian Gems & Jewels
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Kremlin Gold: 1000 Years of Russian Gems & Jewels
April 15 - September 4, 2000
Featuring over 350 jeweled treasures from the world-renowned collections of the Kremlin Museums in Moscow, this exhibition presents an historical overview of the development of metallurgy, gems and jewelry for use by the Church and the Russian royal family. Beginning with gold work discovered in an archaeological site in the heart of the Kremlin of Old Moscow, and tracing the history of Russia for 1000 years, this traveling exhibition includs important works by Carl Fabergé and other imperial jewelers working within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. This exhibition was organized by the HMNS and traveled to The Field Museum before returning to Moscow.
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