Museum of Tolerance

Absolutely the worst museum experience in my 45 years of life on Earth. Agreed today was free museum day for MOT and crowds were expected. So we reached at 10:15 am when they open at 10 am. There is underground parking and some idiotic security guards with half a brain were guiding everyone really slow into the underground parking lot. We were lucky to get the free parking underground though it took a while waiting around the building. Then we walked up to lobby and then to waiting line outside the building. Note it was raining heavily and it was very difficult for parents with kids and seniors to stand outside in non stop rains and wind. MOT did nothing to expedite the entry process. The dimwit ushers were stiff and rude and none of them smiled. My 11 year old daughter had stomach pains and had to use the bathroom urgently. We requested the loser white guy inside the building to just give her bathroom access. He said no and directed us to gas station across (where it turned out there were no public bathrooms) and Ralphs over the top of the hill about 4 blocks away. Finally I took her to Ralphs (again in pouring rain) for her restroom break. We then stood in line for 2 hours and finally got entry around 12:45 pm. We were immediately ushered in to the theatre for a talk by Sylvia Mendez (of Mendez v/​s Westminister fame) for 35 minutes. That session was okay. Then we came out and had no idea where to go. Either you spiral up or spiral down. If you spiral down you see some exhibits about Nazi holocaust and if you go up you have the Anne Frank exhibition which requires a time card entry. We were told to come back at 2.05 pm. Then we walked to some Origami demo and the guy said he ran out of paper. WTF. So nothing there. In middle there was a power outage and everyone was told to exit the building. Then we walked back up to 2 nd floor for Anne Frank exhibition again and were told power in that section is still out and had no ETA. So we walked to 3^rd floor where there was information on US immigration since early 1800s. Nothing information there. By this time we were all bored and hungry. They don’t allow food inside so that way the nasty, slow cafeteria on 4^th floor can make money. That was the slowest cafeteria I have ever seen in my life. Just one cook, one cashier and one helper. Our order came after 50 minutes. It was just 2 sandwiches, fries and coffee. Then we walked back to Anne Frank exhibition area and they had still not opened. Finally we decided to leave MOT for good without seeing the AF exhibit. Walking out we realized we spend the whole day including standing 2 hours in rain outside and we did not see anything. I mean there was nothing informational or education there. There were more docents than something worth seeing, running around and chatting with each other and doing nothing. For the life of me, I cannot understand why and who would pay $ 16 to get in MOT and then pay an extra $ 16 to see AF exhibit. Out entire day was wasted here in a very deeply unplanned museum but the saving grace was it was free today. Even with a Groupon please DO NOT visit this place. If its not worth free then its not worth anything. This will be our first and last visit and we will be telling all our friends and family not to ever visit this place. The message conveyed by the theme of tolerance is nice but why brainwash everyone with the same repeating Holocaust stories over and over again.
Again I will NOT encourage anyone to visit MOT ever, even if its free. Its just not worth it. In survey I have informed the Free Museum organizers of the issues at MOT and exclude them from future programs. I have also recommended MOT to rename themselves to Museum of INTOLERENCE.

Do not — repeat — do NOT go to the Museum of Tolerance on the «Free Museum Day in L.A.»
After waiting 45 minutes in line in traffic on Roxbury to park, then standing 2+ hours in the drenching rain where the line snaked around the corner, we finally got in. And we got there «early» or so we thought. Not sure what the museum was doing with letting a few people in at a time, but it was a full 2 + hour wait in the rain. The place was PACKED — the MOT should NOT participate on the «Free» day without being a whole lot more prepared or by turning people away when they clearly could not handle the crowds.
After 2 hours and 45 minutes, we finally got in and got a ticket to the timed Anne Frank exhibit, and while we waited for our entry time, we watched about 15 minutes of a survivor’s taped testimony on the 2^nd floor. However, the audio was incredibly low and the place so loud, we actually couldn’t hear a word she said, which is a real shame because her story of survival and what she endured is what the museum’s message is about, right?
When it came time to enter the Anne Frank exhibit (the reason we came, to be honest) we got no more than 8 minutes into it when the smoke alarms went off and the place goes DARK with all those people inside (they said capacity was 1200). Thank God I was not in an elevator. I would have panicked, but as it was, a dark and narrow hallway with shoulder to shoulder people in the pitch black was not a fun afternoon. Apparently the generators shut down all the exhibits, including the Anne Frank exhibit and the Holocaust exhibit — the only two exhibits we wanted to see. We could not get out of there fast enough — so frustrating. Spending so many hours waiting for a few minutes in the museum. We literally saw NOTHING but the few minutes of the woman’s taped testimony, then the first few minutes of the Anne Frank experience. We hadn’t even gotten to the point where the Franks went into hiding. Such a shame. As we left, people were still pouring into the place at the same rate. You would have thought they were handing out bags of gold at the front desk.
The docents and workers — most of them — were nice, you could tell they care about this place and did their best to corral the crowds, but still… we were so disappointed for all the time we wasted for naught. I thought we might just have to come back and visit when the crowds are thinner, but this experience leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Today Jan. 31 2016 is a museum free day! I was so excited to take my niece, who just read the Anne Frank book. I read the website hours stating it closes at 6:30 & i also called prior to visit to double check its free & hours were stated correctly. No one answered phone. Once i got to museum i was turned away due to full capacity. I asked to speak with manager & was told i was not allowed too. This is upsetting to know that such a well known museum could not give me some answers. My niece was sad & we went back home. My experience was disappointing.

Certainly a great place of inspiration for generations but every time I’ve attended an event here, an annoying long winded British woman gives the introduction. She’s so corny and aloof and so Shakespearean sounding that one loses focus. In addition, she operates as if She’s the program which is even more annoying. I know I’m supposed to be tolerant but can’t someone who speaks like a normal person give these speeches so that the audience can relate? A little less ego and pretense can get the message across so much more effectively!

There was lot of hype before going so, i guess it didn’t meet what i expected. and i think also growing stereotyped and persecuted, also did a number. i’m not saying my suffering is equal to those who suffered here,… mind you i was teary eye the whole time… it reminded me of my father talking about how he suffered during the war.
the area is well guarded, i never felt so safe in my life… they check your car and empty your pockets… i was allowed to carry in my note book and pen…
most of the staff is very helpful, some seems to just rush you, but i found out later museum is closing and they wanted to make sure i go through the holocaust section before closing and i’m glad they did, but simple explanation would of been nice. the holocaust section has a nice touch except the audio bleed into other area, maybe if they had more doors or if one group was allowed at a time for section…
they had a guest speaker, but it was actually someone else then schedule because the other guy was sick… but nice guy, i’m glad to hear his story.
the elevator is very confusing… a simple number system in the build would of been nice, so i had nice walk around the building… the parking elevator is less confusing.
overall learning about history and not forgetting that this still goes on in the world… and that its not okay for anyone to eradicate another race or culture just because. i hope to visit again later time

Our high school son has an assignment to learn more about the Holocaust so we took him here. We were expecting a learning experience, storyline, displays, etc. Things a museum would have. After going thru groupon and getting half off which still seemed a little expensive still we headed there on a sunday.
Got there around noon, not many people, free parking. Security check, metal detector, etc. Getting in was ok. But we learned nothing. There are a few glass displays with a few small artifacts. The Anne Frank room cost extra. We couldn’t believe that was it. There is one room that says «the world today» and its about 10 TVs which are tuned into news channels like CNN and Fox. That was really odd.
Was really hoping to learn more and a much better display.

I’m not fond of going to museums but I really enjoyed my visit here. I actually read every info and watched every video! I also got to listen to a Holocaust survivor speak about her life. That was pretty emotional. I’ve read about it and I’ve watched a few documentaries but it is entirely different to personally hear about it straight from someone who actually lived through the ordeal.
Buy your tickets from Groupon. We got ours for $ 17 for 2 adult tickets! Parking is free too!
I don’t know if they have a map or a guide laying around somewhere but we didn’t see any. A map would have been a great help so visitors know where to go next. We headed to one of their upper floors through the spiral walkway after finishing the lower level exhibit. Aside from the Anne exhibit on the upper floor, we only saw tables and chairs like it was some sort of a lounge area. We didn’t know that there was a Holocaust survivor speaking until one of the ladies by the reception area noticed that we seemed lost and told us about it. We didn’t see a schedule nor were we informed that they have a guest speaker when we entered the museum. I wish we knew about it so we could’ve been there on time (we missed the first 20 mins). We also found out from the same lady that there is another exhibit (about immigration) one floor up. Again, a map would’ve been helpful.
Overall though, it was a great experience. 4 stars!

Very important work and history is being highlighted here.
You can attend a FREE Survivor Speakers talk every day. There are occasional events where a former White Supremacist will give a talk. These are incredibly rare and perspective changing talks to come across and I highly recommend it. «To hear a witness is to be a witness.»
I’ve been here numerous times over the years and every time has been a unique and intense learning experience. The museum does not only highlight the Holocaust, the interactive tours go over racism, privilege, and injustice against minority groups all over the United States and the world. It is paradigm shifting.
A big Thank you to the Museum of Tolerance staff and supporters for keeping the lessons alive. «Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.»

JAWDROPPING and EMOTIONAL
These two words best describe my memories of this museum from middle school. I can’t believe it took me this long to bring my wife and kids here but hey we finally came here. For years I have talked up the exhibits of the card with the families’ stories and the gas chamber you sit in, but I was 10 and who knows how much they have changed. I came on a day that was free and the line was huge but it was worth it. When we got insides the location is well kept and very organized. The workers were very friendly and so helpful when we asked for directions and bathroom locations. All the exhibits are actually very modern and up to date and the ways that they are presented are really good without a personal tour guide. I will remind guest that the images and exhibits are pretty graphic and intense for young kids so be sure your kids are mature enough to fully appreciate this place. My boys had tons of questions and I think they were left with a sense of gratitude and the feeling of being blessed because they haven’t had to endure anything as tragic as this event. I like knowing that I took my family out of their bubble and helped them view their lives with a bit of appreciation. This type of feeling and knowledge was only possible by the great planning and staff from the Museum of Tolerance that I want to thank.

I appreciate the staff and volunteers who work here for their passion and support with making the experience so valuable for guests. Many of them will provide extra information on the stories presented and answer any questions that you have. One of them even walked with us to the exhibit that she recommended, sharing some knowledge about the museum along the way. She took us down the spiral ramp which showcases portraits of Holocaust survivors, and shared a few facts about some of them that she met. It is very clear that the people who work here love helping others, and they love what they do at the museum.
I had the privilege of starting off my visit with a testimony from a Holocaust survivor. Her name is Renee Firestone, and she survived Auschwitz-​Birkenau extermination camp. She shared with us her amazing story of the changes that took place during that time in history and how her family was brought to the camp. Our discussion went well beyond the one hour time slot, but I wish we had even more time to ask questions and talk to her about her experience.
Following Ms. Firestone’s testimony, we walked through the narrated presentation on the Holocaust, which explains the beginnings and progression of the events at that time in Europe. This portion of the museum brings the story to life with a few personal accounts, building replicas, and media taken from the time.
Most of my time at the museum was spent in the exhibit on the lower level about the affect of hate and prejudice on society worldwide. I learned quite a few things about the Holocaust, as well as American history, that I never knew. The exhibits make it clear that unfortunately history keeps repeating itself, even though we would like to think that we learn from the past not to make the same mistakes again. It also teaches that the wise and compassionate must be willing to take a stand against hate and ignorance in order to extinguish its power over people.
I didn’t have the time to visit the Anne Frank exhibit, and didn’t realize until museum closing that there were more exhibits to explore on the upper levels, but I would like to return for that some day.

I arrived at around 2pm on Friday and it was almost dead, which was nice because I was practically by myself. The staff was very courteous and helpful.
Their Holocaust exhibit is very well put together, especially the Anne Frank exhibit. I must have spent almost 2 hours in the holocaust exhibit alone, there is a lot of information and artifacts. Afterwards I went and listened to a survivor speak, it was emotional.
I think anyone that comes in should listen to a survivor speak before they are all gone.
This museum is well worth a visit.

What a lasting impression this «museum» gives a person.
The first time I went here, my brother was in town visiting and he decided to check this place out with me. I hadn’t really read up on it and didn’t know what to expect.
When we arrived, I was thrilled that there was free underground parking. However, they searched my car. I immediately felt sad at the idea that the museum had to protect itself by searching cars.
Versus a standard museum of «here’s a an item, then read long description,» this museum is interactive. As you walk through, you feel like you have stepped back in time to Germany prior to WWII, following Hitler’s rise to power. I found it fascinating. By the end, my brother was so nervous. (I can’t describe what happens because it will give it away. You have to experience it.)
Years later, I brought my children, when they were in middle school. They, too, were fascinated. Further they had an exhibit with a movie demonstrating child labor around the world. I felt it was an important lesson and education for my children to see how young children were making items they used. However, not everyone feels that way. One family that was watching the film, marched out of there and raised their voices at staff about how they disapproved of the subject matter. Why were they at the Museum of Tolerance?
Its made a lasting impression on my family, so its 5 stars.

Wonderful experience.
Get your tickets from Groupn, they have the best deals for 2. There’s a huge parking lot, so parking is not even a problem. What I really liked about the museum was the fact that they had an Armenian Genocide screening, Anne Frank exhibit, and multicultural presentations. My date and I were very interested.
I had to come here for a school assignment and it turned out to be a great experience. It’s also a great date spot if you’re interested in history. Despite the controversy with the museum, it strives to reach multiple humanist issues by taking the viewer through a journey through history.
I definitely recommend coming here just to be aware of all the details hidden from our flawed history books. It’s refreshing to come to grips with the truth, especially one that shaped not only our lives, but evidently our ancestors.

I highly recommend to go to take the Anne Frank tour.
This place really opened up my eyes to alot of stuff that has happened in history that I honestly had no idea that it happened.
I wanted to cry several times in here, I’m not even going to lie…

I hate to be a critic given the general subject matter for which this Museum stands for — but TRUTHFULLY — it is not so much of a Museum then a SHORT tour through some very nice AV interactive sequences. It is a bit of a museum — and more so otherwise. Well funded — almost certainly… and given the intensity of their message it is about as long as it could be? Anyways — is it worth $ 15.50? IDK — and would I recommend others to visit — well — yeah it’s OK. But I have experienced better… for example I visited the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum (Musee International de la Croix-​Rouge et du Croissant-​Rouge) in Geneva, Switzerland … and this was far superior IMO. Sigh… so go if you must or go because you don’t want to hop a flight to Geneva for a superior experience.

Unilocal removed a previous review I wrote with several comments that agreed /​shared in what I had posted. I’d like to repost what was removed with some redacted info (for privacy concerns– as Unilocal mentioned) to help future visitors to better prepare their students or themselves when visiting.
Removed Content:
[UPDATED BELOW] I am so sad to write this review. We took a group of international university students today– from different countries, including Arab countries and including from Muslim countries.
The whole tour was great and the message of «words affect behavior» was great and our tour guide was knowledgable, friendly, and professional.
However, at the end, the holocaust survivor giving a short talk that day, [NAME REMOVED], pulled aside one of the Japanese students and said, «You know why Japan is a good country? Because they’re not like the Muslims» unknowingly, RIGHT NEXT TO HER WAS A MUSLIM STUDENT. My hear sank and the students listening to her were shocked.
[The survivor] continued to say «Muslims from Arab countries are bad but other Muslims aren’t». This completely ruined the experience for me and I’m hoping not for my students. I feel sick to my stomach from the disappointing end and that someone who experienced prejudice based on ethnicity/​religion now feels it’s okay to that someone is «bad» because of their country or religion.
I tried to ask for a feedback form this at the reception desk but the lady who was leaving said, «I’m sure we have them somewhere but I don’t know where» and rushed out.
Again, I cannot emphasize how heartbreaking this was for me as an educator (university) and I haven’t had the time yet to ask the student (s) what they thought. Ignorance and extremism are not exclusive to any group– yet it is extremely disappointing to find out it also exists within someone speaking out at this museum.
[UPDATE 3/​6/​2015] I was contacted by the museum staff (a week later) in efforts for an incident like this not to happen again.
It is enlightening to know that this is an issue that the staff takes very seriously and are proactive about. On another positive note, one of the students wrote a beautiful article about the visit.
It is my hope that I can add an entire new review upon a second visit to the museum and communication with the museum staff.

My first time at the Museum of Tolerance was for a field trip back in elementary school. At that time, I was too young to appreciate the museum for what its worth. For the past year, I’ve been antsy to come back to see the Holocaust exhibit. I found a 2 for 1 Groupon online and immediately bought it! *FYI reservations required!
Once you obtain the ticket through front desk and walk through a metal detector, everyone needs to wait around for an «orientation» which basically covers which exhibits are where and the recommendation to start at the Holocaust exhibit. The Holocaust exhibit (1 hour 15 minutes) is a sound and light guided tour for about 30 people per group. At each «station» you learn something different about what happened — visuals included. Great place to bring the family. By far my favorite exhibit throughout the entire museum. Anne Frank exhibit is available for an additional cost.
Free underground parking lot available. Be prepared — the guard will check the drivers ID and the back of the car trunk. You can bring your own water.

A spectacular museum that carries forth Simon Wiesenthal’s legacy of «justice not vengeance.» The museum has a unique mission to make history come alive through multimedia interactive exhibits and archival materials. The museum seeks to educate and elucidate on the horrors of intolerance, racism, and genocide, particularly focusing on engaging youth in dialogue.
This was my second visit in a few years and since I was late in the day (3 Pm) I decided to focus on the Anne Frank exhibit and I’m glad I did. If it is your first visit I would recommend coming earlier so you can fully partake in the main Holocaust exhibit, which is an interactive and intense experience.
The Anne Frank exhibit was a journey that juxtaposed the artifacts of a young girl’s life with the horrors of war. I plan on re-​reading the diary after visiting this exhibit. Letters from Otto Frank seeking to secure passage for his family to America in 1941 are profoundly moving. The movie which plays in a small theater in the round uses shadows, dioramas, film of the actual hiding place, and Anne’s own words to create a story and experience that is both haunting and inspiring.
Leaving the museum, you climb up a spiral staircase and view dozens of black and white portraits of holocaust survivors. I have never felt like the same person when I leave this museum, and I always find tears coming to my face. It is a spectacular experience to visit this museum.

Thoughtfully designed and curated, this space welcomes any culture that espouses the values of tolerance, understanding and peace. They have truly amazing multimedia displays and interactive areas that will provoke much soul-​searching and discussion. And yes, it does focus upon the Jewish experience but is inclusive in outreach to other communities. The Anne Frank exhibit is not to be missed. It captures Anne’s uniquely positive world view within her extraordinarily confined circumstances inside the Annex. There’s an interactive «café» that challenges the visitor to examine their own preconceptions regarding prejudice and racism. The Holocaust exhibit is moving and powerful. The lessons here are to always be aware that history is in danger of repeating itself and that we should all be vigilant. The newest exhibit features the diverse lives of: Maya Angelou, Billy Crystal, Carlos Santana & Joe Torre.
Security is taken very seriously here. Your car trunk must be opened and examined prior to the underground parking lot entry. You will have to show your Driver’s license (they actually look at the picture and compare it to you!) You will have to go through a metal detector and have your purse or backpack or briefcase or murse put through the x-​ray machine.
Advance reservations are required. Tickets to the main museum are $ 15.50 for adults. The Anne exhibit is a separate entrance fee of $ 15.50. Yearly membership is $ 65 (just over the price of two visits). As for bringing the kids, I’d say some background on the Holocaust and the World War are necessary. Probably best to be at least of middle-​school age.

CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!!!
BACKGROUND:
In February 1993, the Museum of Tolerance opened to the public. Within a few short months, it became a «must-​see» attraction in Southern California.
Today, the public has come to view the MOT not only as a symbol of society’s quest to live peacefully together, but also as an important resource on how to achieve that goal. Over 250,000 people visit the MOT annually, including 130,000 students, and many major corporations, educators, police agencies, and professionals from throughout the region have experienced the MOT’s specialized programs.
STATS:
Free on-​site secure underground parking
Monday-​Friday 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.*
* (early close at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays, November — March)
Thursday NEW: Open late on Thursday nights for «Anne» only — last admittance 8:00 pm; 9:30 pm close
Saturday CLOSED
Sunday 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Tickets: $ 11.50-$ 15.50
GROUPON!!!
EXPERIENCE:
My first visit here I was as a college student doing some «stupid» project for some «General» class. I dragged my, at the time, Jewish boyfriend with me. Neither of us had any idea what to expect except shear boredom. Our plan was to get in, take quick notes, get out and go eat. Boy, were we both surprised. We ended up spending hours upon hours looking at how a happy family life can turn horrid in an instant, reading stories and info on the internment camps, imagining being in such unlivable conditions, during the time of Hitler. The further in we went, the more emotional we both became. Him being Jewish, me having German ancestry and both with hearts bigger than the size of Texas, ending our tour sitting on the wooden benches in front of TV monitors with looping pictures of all the tragedy, we sobbed for about 5 – 10 minutes. Needless to say, we didn’t go eat after that.
My last visit, was much more recent. This time, with a box of Kleenex at the ready, I dragged a fellow Unilocaler with me, who was neither Jewish, had any idea what to expect, and does not have much interest in museums. With Groupon in hand and on a full tummy (Lesson’s Learned), we both made it through the security checkpoint at the driveway entrance, up the elevator to a short line to enter the Museum.
What?! The Anne Frank exhibit is not currently working and we are unable to see it, said the soft spoken host. Oy!!! Oh, an internment camp survivor is giving a lecture. Hmm… Might as well, since we were there. Holy Cow!!! Elisabeth Mann was such an amazing speaker, her story telling skills of her wonderful childhood life turned to absolute devastation in the winking of an eye was so well distinguished, so easy to not only follow, but imagine. I swear, there were times my mind left the present day and was back in Germany 1940’s. Fellow Unilocaler pushed out their appointment just to find out more. Guess Unilocaler enjoyed it equally well.
Elisabeth spoke for a smidgen over 90 minutes, and attendees kept her there answering questions for another 30 minutes. Afterward, Unilocaler left and I roved around the rest of the museum, taking a trip back in time, BSB (Before Stephie Birth) to the days of MLK, as well as Prejudice, Discrimination, Stereotype, Racism, and Genocide though history both locally and globally. MOT also offers two interactive exhibits, The Point of View Diner and The Millennium Machine. No spoiler alerts, you’ll have to check them out yourself.
Sure, we didn’t get to experience the Anne Frank exhibit, but Elisabeth Mann’s first hand story was easily worth the hours we spent at the museum. By the way, because Anne Frank wasn’t open, we did get a stamp that allowed us free access within 30 days. A nice touch.
MOT is not a typical museum, it’s filled with love and hate, mercilessness and compassion, and a ton of eye opening educational history. Will I be going back? You better believe it, I have another Groupon to use.
In closing, — Federico Mayor, Director General of UNESCO from his address at the dedication of the Museum of Tolerance, Feb. 8, 1993.
«…it is crucial for all of us to give new meaning to the word ‘tolerance’ and understand that our ability to value each and every person is the ethical basis for peace, security and intercultural dialogue.
A peaceful future depends on our everyday acts and gestures. Let us educate for tolerance in our schools and communities, in our homes and workplaces and, most of all, in our hearts and minds.»
Let’s strive to just get along.
#16
#museums #history #knowlege #adayatthemuseum