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PhrasesAt the MuseumScusi, ci sono i servizi igienici al piano terra?
A2formal

Scusi, ci sono i servizi igienici al piano terra?

Excuse me, are there restrooms on the ground floor?

Pronunciation

SKOO-zee, chee SO-noh ee sehr-VEETS-ee ee-jeh-NEE-chee al PYA-noh TEHR-rah.

When to use it

A more formal way to ask about restrooms, appropriate in formal museum settings. 'Servizi igienici' is the official term seen on signs in Italian public buildings.

What it means

Servizi igienici is the formal term for restrooms or toilets. Al piano terra means on the ground floor. This phrasing is more appropriate in formal contexts than the casual 'bagno'. Both are understood everywhere.

Variations

I servizi sono accessibili ai portatori di handicap?

Are the restrooms accessible for people with disabilities?

More formal accessibility question.

C'è un fasciatoio?

Is there a baby changing table?

For parents with young children.

Devo chiedere la chiave?

Do I need to ask for the key?

Some museum restrooms require a key from staff.

Mini Dialogue

— Scusi, ci sono i servizi igienici al piano terra? — Sì, alla fine del corridoio principale a sinistra. — C'è anche un fasciatoio? — Sì, nel bagno delle donne c'è uno. — Perfetto, grazie mille.

— Excuse me, are there restrooms on the ground floor? — Yes, at the end of the main corridor on the left. — Is there also a baby changing table? — Yes, in the women's bathroom there is one. — Perfect, thank you very much.

Cultural Note

Italian public building codes have gradually improved restroom provision in museums. Older buildings retrofitted as museums may have fewer facilities. The newer Museo del Novecento in Milan and MAXXI in Rome were designed with modern facilities from the outset.