The Frightening Invitation of a Guestbook

Abstract

Abstract This article examines the writing left in “comments” books at thought‐provoking museum exhibitions. What moves a visitor to share criticism, praise, political invective, or spiritual reflections in a public place where the writing is guaranteed to be seen by others? In a world transformed by text messaging and online communication, museum guestbooks are one of the few remaining opportunities to share hand‐written insights. Do visitors have a learning curve? Some leave inappropriate, even hateful remarks. By comparing the different moods of comments books at a variety of installations, this essay pays tribute to the legacies of public dialogue in museums, a medium of free speech made possible by a simple blank book.