Smithsonian Experience

My wife and I had the misfortune to try to see the “America’s Smithsonian” exhibition at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb. 11. Unlike Diane Haithman (“Smithsonian Sampler,” Feb. 12), we attended on a weekend. We would like to warn those attending at peak times what type of experience they may have unless things greatly improve.

We bought tickets in advance for 2 p.m. There was a long queue, and at the beginning of the line were those who had tickets for noon. Finally we got in and found that the line for the “Remembering Gallery” was another two hours. My wife was “lined out,” so we walked through what we could and left in 45 minutes. Many of those who bought tickets in advance simply walked out before even reaching the gates. The Smithsonian is a national treasure; however, many of the people attending this show will have such a bad taste in their mouths that they will never visit the real Smithsonian in Washington.

GERALD NONAKA

Fullerton

I have just returned from the worst fiasco I have ever attempted to attend: the Smithsonian Institution’s touring exhibit in Los Angeles. This event was poorly organized and, as a result, my party of three never even got inside.

Our tickets were for 2 p.m. When we arrived at 1:15, lines of people holding tickets for noon were still waiting to be admitted. They were told that it may be another 2 1/2 hours before they could be admitted. That would mean that the 2 p.m. ticket holders would not be admitted until 5 p.m. at the earliest.

Needless to say, I am very upset over such a poorly organized exhibit.

JEANNE MARICLE

Cypress