Hugáceo Crujiente: Drag Queen Guided Tours at Museo Thyssen

Hugáceo Crujiente is the artistic persona of Hugo Díaz, a 30-year-old guide based in Madrid. Every month, Díaz transforms into his drag character to lead guided tours through the Museo Thyssen.

These excursions take place specifically during the mornings of the last weekend of each month. The project has been active for one year, offering a unique cultural experience within the public museum.

The core mission of these tours is to propose a queer reading of art history. By blending performance art with traditional museum guidance, Hugáceo Crujiente creates a dialogue between the artwork on the walls and the living art of the drag performance.

The appearance of Hugáceo Crujiente is designed to turn heads as he moves through the museum halls. His costume is a complex assembly of drag aesthetics that seems to defy gravity and convention.

Key elements of the ensemble include:

• A hat adorned with a long red feather
• A golden corset that emphasizes a small waist
• Balloon sleeves described as calipso in color
• Wrist gaiters and four leg stockings
• High heels that produce a distinct sound while walking

Díaz himself has noted that the outfit makes him appear as if he has escaped from a painting. The combination of these elements results in a visual identity that is both historical and avant-garde.

Behind the flamboyant exterior lies a serious academic and artistic intent. Hugo Díaz utilizes the Museo Thyssen as a backdrop to deconstruct and reinterpret the history of art.

The tours are not merely about viewing paintings; they are about viewing them through a specific lens. By introducing a queer narrative, the tours challenge visitors to consider alternative perspectives often omitted from standard art historical discourse.

This initiative serves as a bridge between the LGBTQ+ community and a major public institution. It transforms the passive act of viewing art into an active, participatory experience that celebrates diversity and identity.

At the center of this project is Hugo Díaz, a 30-year-old artist from Madrid. While Hugáceo Crujiente commands the space with a floating, theatrical gait, Díaz provides the steady guidance of a museum professional.

The commitment to performing these tours once a month for a full year demonstrates a dedication to both the art of drag and art education. Díaz manages to balance the flamboyance of his character with the informative role of a guide.

Through this dual identity, Díaz proves that drag is a versatile art form capable of operating within high culture spaces. He effectively uses his platform to make the museum more accessible and engaging for a diverse audience.

The presence of Hugáceo Crujiente at the Museo Thyssen represents a shift in how cultural institutions engage with the public. By hosting a drag artist as a regular guide, the museum signals an openness to diverse forms of expression.

This initiative highlights the vibrant cultural landscape of Madrid, a city known for its inclusivity. It adds a layer of contemporary performance art to the historical setting of the museum.

Visitors who encounter these tours receive more than just an art history lesson; they witness a performance that questions norms and celebrates individuality. It is a fusion of entertainment and education that leaves a lasting impression on the audience.