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The Rudolf Steiner Archive

a project of Steiner Online Library, a public charity

The Ideas Behind the Building of the Goetheanum
GA 289

Despite the few years of its existence, the Goetheanum, which perished in the flames, became the inaugurator of a new architectural style and the inspiration for many artists who were able to develop themselves anew on and through it. The interest aroused by its short existence continues to spread. The recent publication of a comprehensive work, which presents pictures of its creation in the most complete and progressive way possible, is to be followed by this brief presentation of its fundamental ideas, spoken years ago by the architect himself. Even if some of what has already been expressed in the great work is repeated, Rudolf Steiner nevertheless repeatedly, in every lecture, provides new points of view and flashes of thought which are of value to the artist and show the paths which lead out of the labyrinth in which contemporary art has become entangled.

—Marie Steiner, 1933

1. The Building as a Setting for the Mystery Plays 2 October 1920
2. The Artistic Impulses Underlying the Building Idea 9 October 1920
3. The Double Dome Room and Its Interior Design 16 October 1920
4. The Idea of Building in Dornach 28 February 1921
5. The Artistic Impulses Underlying the Building Idea 29 June 1921
6. Guided Tour of the Goetheanum 25 August 1921
7. About the Goetheanum 27 August 1921
8. TThe Building Idea of Dornach 7 September 1921
9. The Ideas Behind the Building of the Goetheanum I 28 December 1921
10. The Ideas Behind the Building of the Goetheanum II 30 December 1921