Goetheanum

• Address: Rüttiweg 45, 4143 Dornach, Schweiz
• Phone: + 41 61 706 42 42
• Website: www.goetheanum.org
• E-mail: info@goetheanum.ch
• Opening: 1919
• Architectural style: Expressionism
• Architect: Rudolf Steiner
• Working hours: 8.00 - 22.00

In the Swiss city of Dornach, not far from Basel , is the world center of the anthroposophical movement and the house of all arts Goetheanum. The main building of the center is a monument of "organic architecture" of the 1920s. The Goetheanum was built according to the project of the Austrian scientist and architect Rudolf Steiner and is a model of the universe.

Project history

Originally on the first project, the Goetheanum was a huge building of wood and concrete with two domes, which were later painted inside by Maximilian Voloshin and his first wife Margarita. The building of the Goetheanum was built for performing theatrical performances in the summer. It was an example of a harmonious combination of several arts. Steiner created the Goetheanum building without right angles, without imitating natural shapes, but without clear geometric constructions. Sculptural decorations illustrated the metamorphoses of the human spirit, and the frescoes and friezes along the perimeter - its progressive development.

In the period from the 30s to the end of the 80s of the last century the Goetheanum area is expanding significantly. In 1952 a hall for 450 seats appeared, in 1956 a large concert hall for 1000 people, in 1970 - an English room for 200 seats, in 1989 the northern wing was completed, in which an organ hall for 600 seats also appeared. In 1990, the full reconstruction of the building begins, the Steiner stained glass windows, the column form and the painting on the walls remain intact.

Nowadays

According to the project of Rudolf Steiner in Switzerland , besides the Goetheanum, 12 more buildings were built, which also belong to the activity of the Anthroposophical Society. In the park around the building on the hills there are workshops, several research laboratories, an observatory, a Waldorf kindergarten, a school and a student hostel, guest houses and a restaurant for visitors to the center.

Annually thousands of tourists come to Switzerland to the city of Dornach to visit this landmark . Adherents of the anthroposophical movement are in all corners of the globe. The Goetheanum is the home of culture and meetings, interested and dedicated people, it is like a great sculptural value, as a living being.

Practical advice when visiting the Goetheanum

1. In the bookstore you can buy a brochure "Tour of the Goetheanum" for 5 Swiss francs. In the brochure you will find information about each building in the center, about concerts and exhibitions, about registering for online events and selling tickets for concerts. The bookstore operates from 9-00 to 18-30 on weekdays, from 9-00 to 17-00 on Saturdays, and Sunday is a day off.
2. In the southern Goetheanum gallery there is free internet access. The computer room near the library runs on Monday and Friday from 17-00 to 19-00, on Tuesday from 14-00 to 19-00
3. On the territory of the center there is a cafe Vital, it is open daily from 9-00 to 17-00.
4. By prior arrangement, you can settle in the territory of the Anthroposophical Society. The prices and places for accommodation should be agreed immediately before the arrival, by phone or by e-mail.

How to get there?

Goetheanum can be reached from Basel by train SBB to the railway station Arlesheim Dornach, then take the bus number 66 and go to the Goetheanum stop. You can also get from Basel by tram 10 lines to the Dornach-Arlesheim stop. If you are traveling in a rented car , you need to take the motorway from Basel to Delémont, to Signpost Dornach, and then follow the signs to the destination. Please note that parking is available on site.