You have heard all the advice about considering your physical space to see what sort of image it projects to your clients and potential donors. Is the front desk neat and inviting or messy and confusing? Are the plants in the lobby thriving or dead? Is your signage professional, or do you use a hand-scribbled note taped to the door?
But the bathrooms?
Sure, they should be clean, well-stocked, and accessible. But how about the bathroom as a place to communicate and advance your mission?
I had never really thought about it until I visited the street level restrooms in the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
The 21c women’s restroom is the actual site of an art installation. Inside, a series of small screens depict videos of eyes which at first seem to peer about the interior of the restroom. Entitled In the Absence of Voyeurism #6, it is truly a thought-provoking experience—which is, by the way, EXACTLY what the artist, Sean Bidic, and the organization are trying to do. So cool. Here’s a link: Click here
Of course, this thought sent me down the rabbit hole of “best public restroom” Google searches. This one is fun: Click here
So, I figure if a museum can feature art in their restrooms, then what other uses should we consider for this oft ignored real estate. Some ideas:
- In-the-stall signage citing educational or calendar information
- Small giveaways, such as hand sanitizer, with your logo
- Table tent on the vanity about your gift store
- Mounted display screen streaming promotional video loop
- Poster featuring an upcoming event
- Framed photos of your mission in action
- Enlarged replicas of thank you notes for your great deeds
Okay, maybe not.
