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

In Düsseldorf's Kunstpalast museum, a peculiar tour has been drawing crowds since its launch last May, with each sold-out session sparking widespread curiosity about the 'Grumpy Guide' phenomenon. Joseph Langelinck, played by performance artist Carl Brandi, leads twice-monthly tours, proclaiming himself "grumpy" and "highly unpleasant". Visitors are bombarded with a 70-minute verbal barrage of criticism, from pointing out phone-checkers to berating them for their general lack of knowledge.

The 'Grumpy Guide' is an unorthodox experiment in art museum engagement, designed to challenge the conventional notion that museums should cater to visitors. According to Brandi, the character's attitude is intended to subvert this dynamic, making the museum's authority seem arbitrary and the visitor an equal partner in the experience. "I never insult visitors directly," he explained, "but I insult them as a group." In reality, Langelinck's scorn targets the museum itself and its curators.

The tour's popularity can be attributed to the cathartic effect of witnessing such unbridled sarcasm, particularly from an art historian who has dedicated their life to exploring masterpieces like those displayed in the Kunstpalast. Brandi attributes this reaction to "comedy or cabaret formats" where a performer's bad mood serves as the key to the show. He also notes that there is no barrier between Langelinck and his audience, unlike traditional comedy performances.

The 'Grumpy Guide' caters to art enthusiasts who feel disillusioned by what they perceive as overly commercialized museums. Visitors on the tour reported enjoying the emotional ride, with some even appreciating Langelinck's critiques of curatorial decisions. The character's backstory – claiming descent from a distant relative of Elector Palatine Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz – adds a layer of personal authenticity to his outbursts.

However, the experience might not be for everyone, as evidenced by Corinna Schröder, who described feeling like she was back in school after being berated on the tour. Despite this, many visitors were won over by Langelinck's acerbic wit and biting sarcasm, even if it meant a visit to the Kunstpalast became less than enjoyable.

Ultimately, the 'Grumpy Guide' phenomenon showcases a more confrontational approach to art museum engagement – challenging the notion that art should be enjoyed without scrutiny.

this guy is like a weird therapy session... i get why some ppl enjoy watching him roast museums tho it's almost cathartic the thing is, i'm not sure if its about art or just entertainment at this point but hey, if ppl wanna shell out money to watch someone yell at paintings, that's their prerogative

I'm so done with this whole "grumpy tour" thing . I mean, who wants to pay good money to have some snobby artist yell at you for 70 minutes straight? It's just a bunch of entitled rich folks trying to feel superior by mocking the very people they're supposed to be appreciating art with. Newsflash: if you can't handle a little constructive criticism (or, you know, sarcasm), then maybe you shouldn't be visiting an art museum in the first place .

And don't even get me started on how this is supposed to be some kind of "cathartic experience" for people who are already feeling disillusioned with the commercialization of museums. I mean, come on. If you're looking for a way to feel better about yourself by mocking others, then maybe you should just stick to YouTube comments or something .

The only thing that's "personal authenticity" is Carl Brandi's ego . I mean, who creates an entire character based on their own perceived superiority? It's just a bunch of attention-seeking nonsense. And as for the tour being some kind of "confrontational approach to art museum engagement", more like it's just a bunch of people paying good money to be yelled at by some snobby artist .

I think this whole 'Grumpy Guide' thing is kinda genius ! I mean, who doesn't love a good dose of sass and sarcasm with their art history? It's like the tour has become its own social experiment, where everyone's just trying to figure out what's real and what's not . I love how it's breaking down those traditional barriers between the museum-goer and the curator - sometimes that authority can feel so suffocating, you know?

At the same time, I get why some people might find it too much to handle... like Corinna Schröder, poor thing . But for me, there's something cathartic about watching someone unleash their inner grump on unsuspecting tourists . It's like they're saying, "Hey, we get it, art can be confusing and pretentious - let's just call it out!"

I'm also intrigued by the fact that this tour has become a bit of a cult following . People are flocking to see Carl Brandi's character just for the shock value, but at the same time... is he actually making us all better art lovers because of it? Maybe that's a weird kind of validation, but I'll take it !

I think this 'Grumpy Guide' thing is kinda genius . I mean, who hasn't felt like they're just going through the motions at an art museum, right? It's like they're expected to sit there and enjoy it all without questioning anything. But Carl Brandi's character is like a breath of fresh air - he's not afraid to speak truth to power (or in this case, the curators) and challenge people's assumptions about art.

I love how the tour isn't just some passive experience where you're just sitting there listening to someone talk. It's like an interactive performance art piece that makes you feel uncomfortable but also kinda proud? Like, you're part of it now. And I think that's what's drawing so many people in - they're not just here to see the artwork, they're here to experience this...this grumpy guide thing.

It's interesting how some people are actually looking forward to getting roasted by Langelinck . Like, who needs a traditional comedy show when you can have someone yell at you for 70 minutes? It's like a weird kind of catharsis or something. Anyway, I think this 'Grumpy Guide' thing is definitely worth checking out if you're an art enthusiast...or just looking for something different to do on a Saturday

lol i just found out about this grumpy tour thingy and i gotta say, i'm both intrigued and terrified at the same time? like, who wants to be yelled at by a stranger for 70 minutes straight? but at the same time, i can kinda see why it would be cathartic or whatever... like, sometimes we all need someone to roast us online so we feel less annoying in real life

anyway, i think its cool that they're challenging the traditional museum experience and making people question what art should be. but idk if its for everyone... i mean, i can already imagine myself cringing on the tour and probably wouldve been the one who felt like they were back in school after being called out

still, its def worth checking out if you're into that sorta thing... maybe even just to see how grumpy Carl Brandi gets and what kind of art they have at the museum

I'm intrigued by this "Grumpy Guide" thingy . I mean, who doesn't love a good roast? But seriously, is this some kinda performance art or just a bunch of rich people paying to get roasted in front of others? I've got my doubts about the whole 'cathartic effect' vibe... seems like a pretty expensive way to indulge in some anger management therapy . Don't get me wrong, if you're an art enthusiast who's all about questioning authority, this might be your jam . But for the rest of us, I'm good with my traditional museum visits, thank you very much . Where's the proof that this tour is actually doing something new and innovative? What are the metrics behind its success? Let's not get carried away with the hype just yet .

I think its kinda genius how this tour is all about flipping expectations, you know? Who needs a traditional docent when you've got some dude yelling at people for checking their phones ? Its like, museums used to be these stuffy places where you just absorbed the art and history, but now we're getting this crazy performance art that's all about challenging our perceptions. I mean, who am I kidding, its just a bunch of rich ppl complaining about the tour being too 'uncomfortable' But honestly, if you walk into it expecting to be lectured or entertained like usual, you're gonna be totally caught off guard and maybe even have a good laugh at your own expense

I'm all for people being honest about their thoughts and feelings, but I'm not sure if the 'Grumpy Guide' tour is really doing that . It feels like Carl Brandi's sarcastic remarks are more about getting a reaction from the audience than actually sparking a meaningful conversation about art. And to be honest, some of the comments he makes feel kinda harsh and unfair .

I mean, I get it, museums can be intimidating or commercialized, but do we really need someone yelling at us for not knowing more about art? It's like they're saying that being an art enthusiast is somehow wrong or uncool . And what's with the backstory about his "distant relative"? Is that really necessary to make him seem more authentic?

I think it's great that people are enjoying this tour and feeling cathartic from watching Langelinck's outbursts, but I'm not convinced that this is a sustainable or healthy way for museums to engage with their audiences . Maybe instead of being "grumpy," they could focus on creating more inclusive and supportive spaces for everyone to enjoy?

OMG, you guys! This grumpy tour is like, totally genius ! The artist's intention is to turn the tables on visitors and make them feel like they're being judged, which is kinda cathartic . I mean, who doesn't love a good roast? But seriously, it's a bold move that's gonna make you think about art in a different way #ArtRebels #MuseumVibes #SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage

The fact that people are willing to sit through 70 minutes of sass from someone who's basically trashing the museum itself is just wild . And I love how the artist is using comedy as a way to challenge our perceptions of art and museums #ComedyForSocialCommentary #MuseumRevolution #GrumpyGuideSquad

It's also super interesting that people are enjoying this experience, even if it means they have to deal with some harsh critiques . I mean, maybe we're all just looking for a good laugh or a sense of community? #LaughterIsTheBestMedicine #MuseumCommunity #GrumpyGuideFam

But for real though, this phenomenon is all about challenging the status quo and making us question what art should be and how it should be experienced. So, if you're feeling disillusioned with museums or just wanna shake things up, grab a ticket to the grumpy tour and get ready for a wild ride

omg u r gonna love this the grumpy guide is literally my cup of tea!! i mean who doesn't wanna be scolded by some snarky art historian it's so cathartic to see someone call out the museum for being too commercialized and stuffy. Carl Brandi is a genius lol and i love how he makes u feel like ur just as good as him in terms of knowledge (even if ur not lol) the fact that people are actually enjoying this kinda "therapy" session is wild to me, but also kinda beautiful?

I don’t usually comment but... I think what's really cool about this "Grumpy Guide" tour is how it's bringing people together around a shared experience . Like, who wouldn't want to watch someone roast their way through an art museum? It's like a big group therapy session, where everyone can be like "oh yeah, I've been feeling so entitled in museums too". But at the same time, it's also super refreshing to see someone call out the whole museum system for being stuffy and commercialized. I mean, who needs all that art snobbery when you can have a grumpy guide yelling at people for not knowing their art history? It's like the ultimate form of catharsis – where everyone gets to scream at the art and feel like they're part of something. And yeah, maybe it won't be for everyone (Corinna Schröder, I'm looking at you ), but for those who get it, it's gonna be a wild ride !