Some Things Can’t Wait

The ladies-in-waiting at the magnificent new Getty Museum are waiting to use the restroom.

Particularly on crowded weekends, the hugely popular museum has a shortage of public toilets, especially for women, and of drinking fountains. Officials promise a correction; they say the architects have drawings on the table and a decision may be made as soon as today on where to put additional restrooms. In the meantime, Getty officials ask for patience.

The Getty is not the only public facility with this trouble. Long lines often stretch from women’s restrooms at theaters, hotel ballrooms, beaches and parks. The problem is, Getty officials admit they saw the shortage coming five years ago and didn’t resolve it.

Since its lavish December opening, the $1-billion architectural masterpiece has attracted larger-than-expected crowds, exacerbating the shortage. An obvious temporary solution, portable toilets, may not be in keeping with the splendid architecture but should be considered. The portable potties, tucked away discreetly or temporarily enclosed, can be especially useful for children, pregnant women and others who have trouble waiting. Their presence would certainly spur architects and contractors to hurry the permanent fix.

Asked when the new restrooms will be functioning, Barbara Whitney, the Getty’s associate director for administration and public affairs, said she had “no idea how soon” but that it will take “many months.” The Getty ought to undertake a fast fix while a prettier solution is in the works.