The First Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland

The Goetheanum was originally built between 1908-1925 by Rudolf Steiner. Steiner was an architect and the founder Anthroposophy, a philosophical and spiritual movement. He also founded the Waldorf Schools and was instrumental in popularizing biodynamic agriculture.

On New Years Eve 1922, the original Goetheanum (pictured above), which was made of wood and concrete, was destroyed by arson. In 1924, Steiner began building a second Goetheanum entirely of concrete. Steiner passed away in 1925, and the building was not completed until 1928. Today it still stands as a magnificent example of expressive architecture in Dornach, Switzerland, not too far from Basel.

Surrounding the Goetheanum are other buildings built by Steiner, including a library, administrative and educational spaces for the Anthroposophical Society, and houses.

I took the following pictures during a trip to Dornach in 2011, and I was truly amazed! I dream of going back one day…

The Second Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland

Goetheanum Exterior

Stairwell, Goetheanum Interior