Leisure activities
15 Indoor Activities in Berlin: Local Museums, Cultural Spaces, and Authentic Experiences Beyond Tourist Crowds
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Leisure activities
15 Indoor Activities in Berlin: Local Museums, Cultural Spaces, and Authentic Experiences Beyond Tourist Crowds
Discover Berlin's best indoor activities from local museums and cultural centers to specialty bookstores and unique experiences away from crowds.

Explore vintage medical instruments and anatomical models
The Berliner Medizinhistorisches Museum houses one of Europe's most comprehensive collections of medical artifacts spanning four centuries. Visitors explore vintage surgical instruments, anatomical models, and preserved specimens that reveal the evolution of medical practice. The museum's Rudolf Virchow collection features rare pathological specimens and historical medical equipment. Interactive displays explain how medical procedures developed over time. The museum occupies the original Rudolf Virchow Pathology building, creating an authentic atmosphere. Guided tours provide detailed explanations of surgical techniques and medical discoveries that shaped modern medicine.
How to get there. Take U6 to Naturkundemuseum station or U2/U6 to Oranienburger Tor. The museum is located at Charite Campus Mitte on Schumannstrasse. Enter through the main Charite entrance and follow signs to the medical history museum. The building is within the Charite medical campus complex.
How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the museum entrance or online through the Charite website. Online booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons and weekends to guarantee entry.
Summary of reviews from
This medical museum showcases impressive historical collections and pathology exhibits with real organs and detailed information. Visitors discover rare medical conditions and fascinating insights about Charité hospital's history. The experience includes touching authentic surgical instruments and exploring Virchow's work. Student discounts make it affordable at €5.
Photography is prohibited throughout the museum. The graphic displays of deformed specimens and real organs may disturb sensitive visitors or young children. Some exhibits appear dated and aging. Parents should exercise caution as content can be nightmare-inducing for easily excited kids despite lasting only about 60 minutes.
Reviews summarized from between Feb 2024 and Jul 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the museum's unique and fascinating collection of historical medical instruments. Many highlight the knowledgeable staff and detailed explanations of medical history. The authentic setting in the original pathology building adds to the experience.
Some visitors find the displays disturbing or graphic due to preserved specimens and surgical instruments. Limited English signage can make it challenging for non-German speakers. The museum size is smaller than expected by some visitors.
Discover Soviet-era arcade games and technology
The Computerspielemuseum houses Europe's largest collection of playable vintage games, featuring rare Soviet-era arcade machines and Eastern Bloc gaming technology. Visitors can experience authentic 1980s arcade cabinets from East Germany and the USSR, including unique titles never released in Western markets. The museum displays original hardware, development materials, and interactive exhibits showing how gaming evolved differently behind the Iron Curtain. Hands-on demonstrations reveal the technical ingenuity of Soviet programmers working within strict political and resource constraints. The collection includes educational games used in communist schools and military training simulators that shaped an entire generation's relationship with technology.
How to get there. Take U-Bahn U5 to Warschauer Strasse station or S-Bahn S3/S5/S7/S9 to the same stop. Walk 5 minutes south on Karl-Marx-Allee to number 93a. The museum entrance is clearly marked with gaming-themed signage. Look for the distinctive red building with computer graphics on the facade.
How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased online at computerspielemuseum.de or at the door. Online booking offers slight discounts and guaranteed entry during busy periods. Group rates available for 10 or more visitors.
Summary of reviews from
Gaming enthusiasts love this nostalgic journey through video game history. The museum features extensive collections of classic consoles and arcade machines, most fully functional for hands-on play. Visitors enjoy reliving childhood memories while kids discover retro games. Staff is friendly and arriving early means fewer crowds.
Controllers feel greasy from heavy use and need regular cleaning. The museum space is quite small, limiting walkthrough time. Arcade rooms can get stuffy with poor air circulation when crowded. Some rare systems like the Amiga CD32 are display-only behind glass, disappointing collectors.
Reviews summarized from between Mar 2025 and Aug 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the unique collection of playable Soviet arcade games and the knowledgeable staff who explain historical context. Many appreciate being able to actually play the vintage machines rather than just view them behind glass. The interactive nature and rare gaming artifacts receive consistent acclaim.
Some visitors find the museum smaller than expected and wish for more English translations of exhibits. A few mention that certain vintage machines occasionally malfunction. Limited seating areas and crowded conditions during peak times are occasional complaints.
Experience contemporary art in former East German exhibition spaces
Berlinische Galerie occupies a former glass warehouse in Kreuzberg, showcasing Berlin's artistic evolution from 1870 to present day. The museum features photography, architecture, and contemporary works alongside rotating exhibitions that highlight the city's cultural transformation. Visitors explore spaces where East German state-sponsored art once dominated, now displaying diverse perspectives from both sides of the divided city. The industrial setting enhances the viewing experience, with high ceilings and natural light illuminating pieces that document Berlin's complex history. Special exhibitions often focus on artists who worked during the GDR period and contemporary creators responding to reunification themes.
How to get there. Take U-Bahn line U1 or U6 to Hallesches Tor station, then walk 5 minutes south on Lindenstrasse. The museum is located at Alte Jakobstrasse 124-128 in a distinctive glass building. Look for the large Berlinische Galerie sign on the facade. Entrance is through the main glass doors facing the street.
How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased online at berlinischegalerie.de or at the museum entrance. Online booking offers slight discounts and guarantees entry during busy periods. Standard admission is 10 euros for adults with reduced rates for students and seniors.
Summary of reviews from
Visitors love this modern art gallery's thoughtful curation focusing on Berlin artists and German history. The clean, quiet space features bilingual signage and tactile options for visually impaired guests. Photography sections shine, and both permanent and rotating exhibitions connect local history with artwork. Takes 2-4 hours to explore.
Limited variety in the permanent collection disappoints some visitors. Weekend crowds create long entry queues, making weekdays preferable. The gallery sits in a quiet area with expensive, hard-to-find parking. Some wish for more diverse offerings beyond the Berlin-focused artwork selection.
Reviews summarized from between Jun 2025 and Sep 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the museum's unique focus on Berlin-specific art and its excellent curation. Many appreciate the industrial architecture that complements the contemporary works. The photography collection receives particular acclaim, with travelers noting the powerful documentation of city life.
Some visitors find the museum smaller than expected compared to other Berlin institutions. Limited English signage frustrates international tourists. A few reviewers mention that certain exhibitions feel too academic or lack broader context for casual art enthusiasts.
Visit Berlin's oldest apothecary museum
Step into Berlin's pharmaceutical past at the Alte Apotheke Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved 18th-century pharmacy. This hidden gem showcases antique medicine bottles, historical prescriptions, and vintage medical equipment that tell the story of healing practices through the centuries. The museum occupies the original rooms of what was once a working apothecary, complete with wooden cabinets, porcelain drug jars, and mysterious remedies that seem straight from a medieval tale. Visitors can explore authentic pharmaceutical tools, learn about traditional German healing methods, and discover how medicine evolved from mystical potions to modern science. The intimate setting provides a unique glimpse into daily life in historical Berlin.
How to get there. Take U-Bahn to Hackescher Markt station and walk 5 minutes east along Rosenthaler Straße. The museum is located in a historic building with a traditional apothecary sign. Look for the distinctive green cross marking the entrance.
How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online through the museum's official website. Advanced booking recommended during peak tourist season to guarantee entry.
Summary of reviews from
Located on Museum Island near Berlin's main attractions, this museum showcases impressive Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities including the famous Nefertiti bust. The beautifully restored architecture blends historical preservation with modern design. Thoughtful layout with multilingual descriptions makes collections accessible.
Staff begin closing sections before official hours and rush visitors out, creating stress for late arrivals. Guards can be rude and impatient, especially near closing time. Some facilities like bathrooms may close early. Visitors recommend arriving early in the day to avoid time pressure.
Reviews summarized from between May 2025 and Sep 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the authentic atmosphere and fascinating collection of antique medical items. Many appreciate the intimate setting and knowledgeable staff who share interesting stories about historical remedies and pharmaceutical practices.
Some visitors note limited English information and short visit duration. A few mention the museum can feel cramped during busy periods and wish for more interactive elements to enhance the experience.
Explore East German everyday life artifacts
The DDR Museum offers hands-on exploration of East German daily life through interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts. Visitors touch, sit, and experience recreated apartments, workplaces, and public spaces from communist-era Germany. The museum showcases everything from Trabant cars to surveillance equipment, kitchen appliances, and propaganda materials. Interactive displays let you open drawers, cabinets, and closets filled with period items. You can sit in a reconstructed East German living room, experience a simulated interrogation, and explore how ordinary citizens lived under socialist rule. The museum balances serious historical topics with engaging presentation methods that appeal to all ages.
How to get there. Located on Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 1, directly across from Berlin Cathedral. Take U-Bahn to Alexanderplatz station and walk 5 minutes south. Alternatively, use S-Bahn to Hackescher Markt and walk 3 minutes west. Look for the distinctive building with DDR Museum signage facing the Spree River. The entrance is clearly marked on the riverside.
How to buy tickets. Tickets available online at ddr-museum.de with small discount, or purchase at entrance. Online booking recommended during summer months and weekends to avoid queues. Standard admission includes all interactive exhibits and displays.
Summary of reviews from
Interactive exhibits let visitors touch and explore East German history firsthand. Families love the hands-on displays including authentic Trabant cars, reconstructed apartments, and original artifacts. Clear explanations in German and English. Perfect for history enthusiasts wanting to experience daily DDR life rather than just read about it.
Gets extremely crowded even on weekdays. Visitors should expect 20+ minute queues without advance booking. Some original audio clips are only in German with limited English explanations. The popularity means the museum can feel packed, which detracts from the immersive experience.
Reviews summarized from between Jul 2025 and Sep 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the museum's interactive approach and authentic atmosphere. Many highlight the hands-on experience of touching real artifacts and exploring recreated spaces. Tourists appreciate learning about daily life rather than just political history. The Trabant simulator and apartment recreation receive frequent mentions as highlights.
Some visitors find the museum crowded, especially during peak times. A few critics mention that certain exhibits feel superficial or lack deeper historical context. Language barriers can be challenging for non-German speakers, and some displays may feel outdated to younger visitors unfamiliar with the era.
Browse vinyl records in a legendary underground shop
SpaceHall ias Berlin's premier underground vinyl destination, housed in a former Cold War bunker beneath the city streets. This legendary record shop spans multiple subterranean levels, featuring rare pressings, underground techno releases, and obscure finds from Berlin's electronic music scene. The dimly lit corridors create an authentic crate-digging atmosphere where music enthusiasts spend hours discovering hidden gems. Knowledgeable staff provide expert recommendations across genres from minimal techno to experimental ambient. The shop's unique bunker setting adds historical intrigue to your vinyl hunting experience, making it a pilgrimage site for serious collectors and casual music lovers alike.
How to get there. Take U6 to Friedrichstrasse station or S1/S2/S25 to Friedrichstrasse. Walk 5 minutes southeast toward Unter den Linden. Look for discrete entrance stairs leading underground near the main thoroughfare. Shop is located in basement levels accessible through marked entrance. Allow 1-3 hours for browsing depending on interest level.
Summary of reviews from
This Berlin record store excels in electronic music with massive vinyl selection spanning techno, minimal, house, and breakbeat. The back room houses thousands of electronic records. Staff has grown friendlier over decades of operation. Unique atmosphere creates browsing sessions lasting hours. Fair market pricing with occasional vinyl deals.
The shop only accepts cash payments, which creates inconvenience for customers expecting card options. Opening hours require advance checking to avoid disappointment. Some customers have contacted through reviews about lost items, suggesting limited direct communication channels with the store.
Reviews summarized from between Jan 2024 and Aug 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the incredible selection of rare and underground vinyl, especially electronic and techno releases. Staff knowledge receives consistent acclaim for helping find specific tracks and discovering new artists. The unique bunker atmosphere creates an authentic Berlin experience that music lovers find unforgettable.
Some visitors find prices higher than expected for certain releases. The underground location can feel cramped during busy periods. A few reviewers mention limited mainstream music selection, focusing heavily on electronic genres which may not appeal to all tastes.
Discover Berlin's radio and broadcasting history
The Museum für Kommunikation offers fascinating exhibits on Berlin's broadcasting legacy, from early radio stations to television development. Interactive displays showcase vintage equipment, original broadcast studios, and the evolution of mass communication in Germany. Visitors explore how radio shaped public opinion during pivotal historical moments, including wartime propaganda and post-war reconstruction. The museum features authentic recording booths, antique transmitters, and multimedia presentations that bring broadcasting history to life. Special sections highlight East and West German broadcasting differences during the Cold War era. Guided tours provide deeper insights into technical innovations and cultural impact of radio and television on German society.
How to get there. Take U6 to Oranienburger Tor station or S-Bahn to Oranienburger Strasse. The museum is located at Leipziger Strasse 16, a short walk from either station. Enter through the main entrance and follow signs to the communication history section on the second floor.
How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased online at the museum website or at the entrance. Online booking offers small discounts and guarantees entry during busy periods.
Summary of reviews from
Beautiful neo-Baroque building with stunning architecture and blue neon accents creates an impressive setting. Interactive displays engage visitors of all ages, with robots greeting guests and hands-on stations demonstrating communication technologies. Comprehensive collection includes rare artifacts like the world's first telephone and Blue Mauritius stamp. Perfect for families with children and technical enthusiasts alike.
Staff can be unhelpful near closing time, refusing sales from the museum shop. The self-service restaurant offers overpriced, odd food with questionable quality. Some visitors expected more comprehensive coverage of communication topics beyond the German postal system focus.
Reviews summarized from between Feb 2024 and May 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the comprehensive collection of authentic broadcasting equipment and engaging interactive exhibits. Many appreciate the knowledgeable staff and well-organized displays that effectively tell the story of German communication history.
Some visitors find certain exhibits text-heavy with limited English translations. Others mention that peak hours can feel crowded, and a few note that some interactive stations occasionally malfunction during busy periods.
Visit a working monastery brewery and tasting room
Experience authentic monastic brewing traditions at Klosterbrauerei Neuzelle, located about 100 kilometers southeast of Berlin. This historic Cistercian monastery brewery has operated since 1589, producing traditional German beers using centuries-old recipes. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities, learn about monastic brewing methods, and sample distinctive beers including their famous black beer and seasonal specialties. The tasting room offers guided tastings paired with regional foods. The monastery grounds feature beautiful baroque architecture and peaceful gardens. Tours typically last 90 minutes and include historical insights about both brewing and monastery life. The experience combines cultural heritage with craft beer appreciation in an authentic religious setting.
How to get there. Take regional train RE1 from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Eisenhüttenstadt, then bus 403 to Neuzelle (total journey 2 hours). By car, drive southeast on A12 toward Frankfurt/Oder, then B112 to Neuzelle. The monastery is clearly signposted in town center. Tours meet at the brewery visitor entrance adjacent to the monastery church.
How to buy tickets. Book tours through the monastery website or call ahead. Walk-ins accepted when space permits, but advance booking recommended especially for weekends and holidays. Group discounts available for 10+ people.
Summary of reviews from
Visitors love the unique apple-flavored beer that surprisingly works well, calling it brilliant. The brewery offers excellent beer with a wide variety of local options. Staff provide thoughtful gifts at the beer shop. Tours are highly recommended. The location is convenient for exploring nearby Polish parks.
Major customer service issues plague this brewery. Visitors drove 100km only to find the shop unexpectedly closed with no posted schedule changes online or on-site. Operating hours appear unreliable since late 2020, suggesting management doesn't prioritize customer experience or communication.
Reviews summarized from between Jan 2017 and Nov 2020
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the authentic monastery atmosphere and knowledgeable guides who explain brewing history. The beer quality receives high marks, especially the unique black beer varieties. Many appreciate the beautiful historic setting and peaceful monastery grounds. Tours are well-organized and informative.
Some visitors note the distance from Berlin requires significant travel time. Limited English-language tours may challenge non-German speakers. Weekend availability can be restricted. The rural location lacks nearby dining options, and some find prices slightly high for the region.
Explore Berlin's Jewish cultural heritage in intimate setting
The Centrum Judaicum offers guided tours exploring Berlin's rich Jewish heritage through the restored New Synagogue and surrounding historic district. Visitors discover over 300 years of Jewish life in Berlin, from the community's origins to its destruction during the Nazi era and modern revival. The experience includes viewing the synagogue's stunning Moorish architecture with its golden dome, examining historical artifacts, and learning about prominent Jewish figures who shaped the city. Tours provide intimate access to prayer halls, exhibition spaces, and the synagogue's archive. The center serves as both memorial and active cultural institution, offering deep insights into Jewish traditions, persecution, resistance, and contemporary community life in Berlin.
How to get there. Take U-Bahn lines U6 or S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S25 to Oranienburger Tor station. Walk 3 minutes east on Oranienburger Strasse to number 28-30. The golden dome is visible from the street. Tours typically begin at the main entrance. Arrive 15 minutes early for security screening.
How to buy tickets. Book tours online at centrumjudaicum.de or call +49 30 8802 8300. Walk-up tickets available but tours may sell out, especially on weekends. Group discounts available for 10+ people.
Summary of reviews from
The Neue Synagoge stands as Berlin's most striking landmark with its golden dome and remarkable architecture. Originally opened in 1866 as Europe's largest synagogue, it now serves as both museum and cultural center. Visitors can explore Jewish history exhibits, research German ancestry, and attend regular services. The building's survival story is powerful - a German police officer courageously saved it from complete Nazi destruction in 1938.
The synagogue requires airport-style security screening and has heavy police presence outside. The original dome was destroyed during WWII, though the main structure survived. Some visitors noted they couldn't enter the actual synagogue itself, only attending external events like street festivals in the area.
Reviews summarized from between Apr 2025 and Sep 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the knowledgeable guides who bring Jewish history to life with personal stories and detailed context. Many appreciate the beautiful restored architecture and meaningful exhibits. The intimate group sizes allow for engaging discussions and questions.
Some visitors find limited English tour availability restricting. Others mention the museum sections feel small compared to expectations. A few reviews note that certain historical periods receive less coverage than desired.
Browse rare books and manuscripts in historic library
The Staatsbibliothek Unter den Linden houses one of Germany's most prestigious collections of rare books and manuscripts dating back centuries. Visitors can explore historical documents, medieval manuscripts, and first editions in the library's reading rooms. The neoclassical building itself is an architectural marvel designed by Ernst von Ihne. Special collections include works by Goethe, Bach manuscripts, and ancient maps. The library serves as both a working research facility and cultural destination. Guided tours reveal hidden treasures from the collection. Reading room access allows closer examination of selected materials under supervised conditions.
How to get there. Take U-Bahn to Unter den Linden station or bus to Staatsoper stop. The library sits directly on Unter den Linden boulevard near the State Opera. Enter through the main entrance and register at the information desk. Special collections require advance research permissions through the library's online system.
How to buy tickets. General access is free but advance registration recommended through the library website. Special manuscript viewing requires research credentials and advance booking through their online portal system.
Summary of reviews from
Berlin's State Library impresses with stunning classical architecture and spacious, bright reading halls. The staff are friendly and helpful, offering different study zones from silent to conversational areas. Free WiFi works perfectly, and the building provides comfortable seating for long study sessions. Popular spot for wedding photos.
Getting a library card involves complicated, time-consuming registration. Limited toilet access creates inconvenience. The café lacks vegan options despite Berlin's progressive reputation. Weekend crowds require queuing and waiting for available spaces. Interior design feels outdated compared to the impressive exterior.
Reviews summarized from between Jun 2025 and Sep 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the stunning architecture and remarkable collection quality. Many highlight the knowledgeable staff and well-preserved historical documents. The reading rooms receive excellent ratings for their scholarly atmosphere and professional service.
Some visitors find access restrictions limiting for casual browsing. Others mention that advance planning is essential since materials require special handling procedures. Language barriers occasionally create communication challenges.
Experience avant-garde theater performances
HAU Hebbel am Ufer is Berlin's premier venue for experimental theater and contemporary performance art. This multi-location theater presents groundbreaking productions that challenge traditional theatrical boundaries. International artists collaborate with local performers to create thought-provoking shows spanning dance, theater, and interdisciplinary performances. The venue operates across three historic locations: HAU1 at Stresemannstrasse, HAU2 at Hallesches Ufer, and HAU3 at Tempelhofer Ufer. Productions often feature English subtitles or are performed in English. The theater champions emerging artists while hosting established names in avant-garde performance. Each season brings diverse programming from political theater to experimental dance pieces.
How to get there. Take U6 to Hallesches Tor station for HAU1 and HAU2 locations. HAU3 requires U1/U3 to Möckernbrücke. All venues are within walking distance of each other along the Landwehr Canal. Book tickets online at hau-berlin.de or purchase at box office one hour before performances. Check specific venue address on your ticket.
How to buy tickets. Reserve tickets online at hau-berlin.de or call box office. Tickets available at venue one hour before showtime. Student and group discounts offered. Prices range from 12-25 euros depending on performance and seating.
Summary of reviews from
HAU2 offers an amazing atmosphere with fantastic screens and great spaces for events. The venue features modern black box theatre with good rake, programming experimental and interesting shows including modern dance and performance art. Prices are reasonable, staff is excellent, and there's a recommended pizza bar downstairs. Perfect for experiencing Berlin's authentic hipster scene.
Shows tend to skew young and experimental, which means performances are often interesting but rarely spectacular. The programming may not appeal to all audiences due to its focus on avant-garde and experimental content rather than mainstream entertainment.
Reviews summarized from between Jan 2019 and Aug 2024
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise HAU's bold programming and intimate venue atmosphere. International travelers appreciate English-language accessibility and innovative productions. Many highlight the theater's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and supporting diverse voices.
Some find performances too abstract or challenging to follow. Limited parking frustrates drivers. Occasionally productions lack English translation. A few visitors mention uncomfortable seating in older venues and inconsistent sound quality.
Discover Berlin's urban development through interactive exhibits
The Stadtmuseum Berlin showcases the capital's evolution through cutting-edge interactive displays and immersive exhibits. Visitors explore five centuries of urban transformation using digital touchscreens, 3D models, and multimedia presentations. The museum traces Berlin's growth from medieval settlement to modern metropolis, highlighting architectural changes, population shifts, and social developments. Interactive maps allow guests to navigate different historical periods, while virtual reality stations recreate destroyed neighborhoods. Special focus areas include Cold War division, reunification impacts, and contemporary urban planning challenges. The experience combines historical artifacts with modern technology to create an engaging journey through Berlin's complex urban story.
How to get there. Take U-Bahn lines U2, U5, or U8 to Alexanderplatz station, then walk 5 minutes south. The museum is located on Poststraße near the Nikolaiviertel. Look for the distinctive red brick building. Enter through the main entrance and purchase tickets at the ground floor reception.
How to buy tickets. Tickets can be purchased online at stadtmuseum.de or at the museum entrance. Online booking offers small discounts and guarantees entry during busy periods. Standard adult admission is around 7-10 euros.
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the dedicated and friendly staff who create a welcoming atmosphere. The museum houses remarkable treasures and exhibitions that travelers find truly worth experiencing. The surrounding Nikolaiviertel district adds value with its outdoor dining options during summer months.
Guests feel rushed with insufficient time to properly explore the extensive collections. The traditional museum setup lacks engaging, interactive elements. Some exhibits are currently closed to visitors, limiting access to certain treasures and displays.
Reviews summarized from between Nov 2020 and Jul 2025
Summary of reviews from
Visitors praise the museum's innovative use of technology and engaging interactive elements that make urban history accessible. Many highlight the comprehensive coverage of Berlin's development and appreciate the multilingual displays that help international tourists understand the city's evolution.
Some visitors find certain interactive exhibits overwhelming or too technology-focused. A few reviewers mention that the museum can feel crowded during peak hours, and occasionally technical issues with digital displays interrupt the experience.
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