‘I try to make them feel as ignorant as possible’: German museum’s ‘grumpy guide’ is surprise hit

‘I try to make them feel as ignorant as possible’: German museum’s ‘grumpy guide’ is surprise hit

In Düsseldorf's Kunstpalast museum, performance artist Joseph Langelinck has become a surprise sensation with his unconventional and provocative tours. Known for his aggressive questioning and insults, Langelinck challenges visitors while critiquing the museum's curation. Despite—or perhaps because of—this unique approach, his sessions have been selling out since their launch in May.

Langelinck's character, portrayed by 33-year-old Carl Brandi, is described as a "grumpy guide" who makes visitors feel as ignorant as possible. This method involves shouting at attendees, criticizing them for not speaking loudly enough, and deriding their general knowledge. The tours, priced at €7, have captured the public's imagination, offering an emotional ride akin to a live comedy or cabaret show.

The Kunstpalast director, Felix Krämer, was inspired to commission this unusual act by the popularity of "rude waiter" restaurants and the local tradition of brash wit in Düsseldorf. Langelinck's disdain is directed towards both the visitors and the museum's curatorial practices, which he finds superficial and overly commercialized.

Throughout the 70-minute tour, Langelinck's character becomes increasingly agitated, culminating in a theatrical display of frustration. This performance, while abrasive, offers a fresh perspective on the typical museum experience by flipping the conventional power dynamic between the institution and its visitors.

How to engage

• Plan a visit to the Kunstpalast museum in Düsseldorf to experience the "Grumpy Guide" tour firsthand. Be prepared for an unconventional and entertaining dive into art history.
• Book your tickets well in advance, as the tours are sold out until next year due to high demand.
• Explore alternative museum experiences, such as the nudist evenings at Stuttgart’s House of History or socks-only tours at the Netherlands’ Museum Voorlinden, to see how institutions are innovating to attract diverse audiences.