Allison H.
Yelp
Very disappointing experience with the Dixon this morning. After paying my admission fee and touring through the preliminary art down the hall, I went to enter the gallery and was stopped and told that I could not enter with a backpack. I was confused because I'm a 34 year old woman who hasn't worn a backpack since high school... I realized she was referred to my "backpack style purse". I offered to let the security guard search through my purse if that would make her more comfortable and she declined saying they just weren't allowed, period, and as I tried to speak again, she interrupted me and told me I could speak with the front desk.
Upon doing so, the front desk attendant reiterated that I could either put it a the locker or leave it at the desk. I was shocked. What do women do who are carrying purses? Why was my purse any different? Because it had two straps?? I literally had chapstick, my wallet, and my cell phone. I'd been polite and quiet the 10 minutes I'd be there. I was so confused, and honestly, reasonable or not, hurt. Why was I not told my purse was not allowed before I paid money to enter the establishment?
Rules are put in place for safety, one would think, and I am not a person who breaks rules to be reckless or careless. I understand rules and their place in society.
But. You need to draw the line at unreasonable requests of paying patrons who are simply trying to enjoy a morning browsing art. This was such a turn off and so sad to me. I've enjoyed the Dixon for years, but this morning was so upsetting, I doubt I'll return.
Oh, and, interestingly, as I left, there were forty or more high school students all with actual backpacks on combing the gardens and waiting to enter the gallery. I guess my tiny, flowery bag was more of a threat.