Goetheanum
Overview
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Intro
The Goetheanum, in the canton of Solothurn, is the world centre for Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophical movement. The colossal concrete building is a true masterpiece of expressionist architecture and hosts a wide range of cultural activities.
Rudolf Steiner, founder of the General Anthroposophical Society, built his centre in Dornach, Solothurn, on the border with the canton of Basel-Land. Originally constructed entirely from wood, the first building did not survive long. Just three years after its inauguration, the Goetheanum was destroyed by a fire on New Year’s Eve. This is perhaps the reason why cast concrete was chosen for the Second Goetheanum, which opened while still unfinished in 1928. Named after the famous German poet, the building is today a conference and cultural centre.
The sculptural language of design derived from expressionism later became the stylistic trait of anthroposophic buildings. The Goetheanum is surrounded by other similar buildings, scattered across the extensive grounds. Their names offer an indication of their function: the Gardener’s House, the Publisher’s House and the Eurythmy Houses, built to house the eurhythmic dancers active at the Goetheanum. The Transformer Unit and the Heating Tower are also particularly striking. Only the Glass House, with its wooden construction and two domes, is strongly reminiscent of the destroyed first Goetheanum.
The centre’s location on a terrace on the slopes of the Jura was a deliberate choice. The main building sits in a triangle oriented towards the stars between the highest peaks of the surrounding mountains. Together with Dorneck Castle and Birseck Castle it also forms another isosceles triangle.
ISOS
ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.
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Contact
Goetheanum
Rütitweg 45
4143
Dornach
Switzerland
