Museum Guard: Exhibit Unknown

(1949) Grand Opening of the Museum of Natural Sciences

In 1949, the Museum of Natural Sciences opened its doors in post-war Berlin under the direction of its founder, Arthur Weber. As a respected historian and curator, Weber was widely admired for his encyclopedic knowledge and meticulous attention to detail. At the opening ceremony, he personally greeted all his guests, proudly presenting the museum as both an archive of the past and a promise for the future.

Privately though, Arthur was a reserved and solitary man. He spent most of his time among his exhibits and archives often preferring artifacts to people. Colleagues described him as distant, even cold, while others quietly noted that he seemed to care more for the museum than for those around him. To Arthur, history was not something to be observed from a distance. It was something to be felt.

Arthur’s Vision

Arthur’s lifelong ambition was to create the perfect installation. What began as a scholarly interest slowly mutated into an obsession with one specific subject: humanity’s relationship with fear. He studied how fear shaped belief, memory and behavior across cultures and different periods in time.

Using experimental combinations of sound, lighting and environmental design, Arthur attempted to recreate emotional states rather than historical moments. Over time, his work took on a spiritual dimension. He became convinced that fear was not merely a reaction, but a living force, one that can be contained, studied, and preserved.

What started as a private research project hidden within unused sections of the museum grew into an elaborate, immersive installation. Before it can be unveiled, Arthur Weber disappeared after closing hours. His office was found undisturbed. His research remained fragmented and incomplete. Officially, he was presumed dead.

(1999) New Security Guard Hire

Your name is Jakob Müller. It’s 1999 and work is scarce. You find a small listing buried in the classifieds: Museum of Natural Sciences seeking night security. Excellent pay. Overnight shifts only. No further details. With little money left and no better options, you make the call. The interview is brief. Your first shift begins almost immediately. As the doors close for the night, you realize the museum is still very much still awake.