Basel
Architectural icon in Dornach

Visitor Guide to the Goetheanum

Plan your visit to Rudolf Steiner's monumental concrete masterpiece in Dornach.

ArchitectureNatureLocal heritage

Located on a hill near Basel, the Goetheanum is a unique architectural landmark and the seat of the General Anthroposophical Society. Visitors can explore its expressive design, tour the Great Hall, stroll through the garden park, and attend international conferences and study programs.

The headquarters of the General Anthroposophical Society on the Dornach hill, featuring striking architecture, a picturesque garden park, and a diverse events calendar.

Goetheanum
About the Goetheanum in Dornach

Located in Dornach, the Goetheanum serves as the world center of the Anthroposophical Society and the School of Spiritual Science. The monument is famous for its highly expressive concrete architecture, which dominates the scenic landscape. This campus functions as a hub for research and dialogue, inviting visitors to explore dedicated exhibition spaces, a great hall, and a picturesque garden park.

Aerial view of the Goetheanum, a large concrete building with a distinctive roof, surrounded by green lawns, trees, and smaller structures.
Goetheanum opening hours in Basel

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Goetheanum. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Basel.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
09:00-20:00
Admission and Ticket Information for the Goetheanum

The Goetheanum offers a variety of admission options to accommodate visitors interested in its architecture and cultural programs. Standard and reduced entry fees are available for general visitors, while children under the age of 16 enjoy free admission. This inclusive structure ensures that the campus remains accessible to families exploring the landmark in Dornach. Please refer to the specific event or exhibition details for comprehensive pricing information.

Standard Admission
CHF 5.00
Reduced Admission
CHF 3.00
Children under 16
Free

Visitors younger than 16

Visitor Amenities at the Goetheanum

The Goetheanum in Dornach provides a range of visitor facilities designed for convenience and accessibility. The site features dedicated accessible parking, lift access to primary halls, and accessible restroom facilities on the ground floor. Additionally, visitors have access to an on-site café and bookshop to support their experience.

Accessible parking

Available

Accessible toilet

Available

Lifts

Available

Wheelchair spaces

Limited
Family visits at the Goetheanum

The Goetheanum welcomes families to explore its architectural site and grounds, offering interactive tours specifically tailored for children aged 6 to 12. These educational sessions adapt art and history themes for younger visitors. Further details on guided tours and youth-specific offerings are available to help plan your visit.

Recommended age: Ages 6–12

The Goetheanum offers specialized interactive tours for primary-school-aged children and welcomes families to explore its architecture and campus.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Interactive, age-adapted tours for primary-school-aged children.
  • Free admission for children under 16 to exhibition rooms.
  • Free access for children up to 10 on regular public guided tours.

Activities and resources for children

Family tour

Interactive Children’s Tour

Ages 6–12PaidBooking required

A guided tour adapting architectural and art themes for children.

Goetheanum Location in Dornach

The Goetheanum is situated on a scenic hill in Dornach, just south of Basel in the Solothurn region. This monumental concrete building serves as the headquarters of the General Anthroposophical Society and is surrounded by a picturesque garden park. Visitors can explore the expressive architecture and campus grounds, which offer a peaceful setting for cultural and architectural discovery.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Rüttiweg 45

4143 Dornach

Solothurn, CH

Planning Your Visit to the Goetheanum

When planning a visit to the Goetheanum in Dornach, visitors can explore the monumental concrete building and its surrounding landscaped grounds. On-site parking is available for those arriving by car. To fully appreciate the architecture tours, exhibitions, and performances, consider allocating a generous window of time to explore the main center and its scenic campus.

Planning Your Visit to the Goetheanum

The Goetheanum Visitor Experience

The Goetheanum in Dornach stands as a monumental landmark of expressive concrete architecture and the global headquarters for the General Anthroposophical Society. This unique cultural center serves as an active hub for spiritual science, hosting international conferences, academic programs, and lectures. During a visit, guests can join guided tours to explore the monumental Great Hall and diverse exhibition spaces. Surrounding the striking structures, a picturesque garden park set against the scenic Jura landscape provides a peaceful setting for quiet contemplation and walks.

Interior view of a large auditorium with rows of green seats facing a stage, flanked by white sculptural columns and a colorful painted ceiling.

The History and Architecture of the Goetheanum

Designed by Rudolf Steiner, the original wooden Goetheanum in Dornach began construction in 1913 and opened in 1920. After this structure was destroyed by fire on New Year's Eve in 1922, work commenced on a replacement. Constructed from cast concrete between 1924 and 1928, this second building was later designated as a **Swiss national monument** due to its pioneering expressionist design. Its central auditorium was further remodeled during the mid-1950s and late 1990s.

  • First structure begun

    1913Construction

    Construction began on the first Goetheanum in 1913, designed by Rudolf Steiner as a wooden, double-dome structure set on a concrete base. It was intended to function as a Gesamtkunstwerk and house the Anthroposophical Society's annual summer theater events.

  • First Goetheanum auditorium completion

    1919Construction

    The auditorium of the first Goetheanum was completed in 1919, allowing performance arts to move from a neighboring workshop to the stage beneath the building's smaller cupola.

  • Official opening of the First Goetheanum

    1920Opening

    The first structure was officially opened to the public on September 26, 1920, establishing the site as the central gathering point for the anthroposophical movement.

  • Destruction by fire

    1922Milestone

    The first Goetheanum structure was destroyed by a fire that occurred on New Year's Eve, spanning December 31, 1922, to January 1, 1923. While arson was suspected, the cause was never definitively proven.

  • Construction of the Second Goetheanum

    1924-1928Construction

    Following the destruction of the original structure, Rudolf Steiner designed a replacement building in 1923. Construction of this second, cast-concrete structure began in 1924 and continued after Steiner's death, finishing in 1928.

  • Central auditorium remodelings

    1950-1999Renovation

    The central auditorium of the second Goetheanum underwent major renovation projects twice in the 20th century, specifically during the mid-1950s and again in the late 1990s.

  • Granted protected monument status

    Heritage status

    Due to its pioneering use of visible concrete in architecture and its expressionist design, the second Goetheanum has been officially granted protected status as a Swiss national monument.

Latest museum updates from Goetheanum
Recent announcements, stories, and institutional updates in Basel
Read the newest updates from Goetheanum, including exhibition announcements, program changes, and cultural stories that add context before your visit in Basel.
Reflecting on the 2026 International Students’ Conference at the Goetheanum

Reflecting on the 2026 International Students’ Conference at the Goetheanum

The Goetheanum recently hosted nearly 1,000 young people from around the world for the annual International Students’ Conference. Under the theme 'Disconnect to Connect,' participants explored the balance between digital engagement and genuine human interaction through workshops, performances, and collaborative art projects on the Dornach campus.

ConferenceYouthEventDornach
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New Research on the First Class Lessons of the School of Spiritual Science

New Research on the First Class Lessons of the School of Spiritual Science

The Goetheanum has released new research detailing the history, intentions, and methodology behind Rudolf Steiner's First Class lessons for the School of Spiritual Science. These studies explore the development of the esoteric work alongside the contributions of Ita Wegman and their ongoing relevance to contemporary anthroposophical practice. Visitors can learn about upcoming conferences and resources dedicated to this foundational aspect of the Michael School.

ResearchHistoryAnthroposophyEvents
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Leadership changes for the Social Sciences Section at the Goetheanum

Leadership changes for the Social Sciences Section at the Goetheanum

Starting in autumn 2026, the Goetheanum will transition to a new dual leadership model for its Social Sciences Section. Johannes Kronenberg and Gerhard Schuster have been appointed as co-leaders to succeed Gerald Häfner, bringing complementary expertise to the role. This leadership change marks a new chapter for the section as it continues to explore healthy social development in contemporary society.

AnnouncementLeadershipGoetheanumSocial Sciences
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Exploring the Human Creative Process and AI at the Goetheanum

Exploring the Human Creative Process and AI at the Goetheanum

Christiane Haid examines the profound differences between human creativity and AI-generated imagery. This article explores how the artistic process relies on risk, personal growth, and grace, contrasting human achievement with mathematical calculation.

Art TheoryAIPhilosophyGoetheanum Weekly
Read article
Celebrating Ten Issues of the 'red nose' Clowning Magazine at the Goetheanum

Celebrating Ten Issues of the 'red nose' Clowning Magazine at the Goetheanum

The Goetheanum marks a milestone with the tenth anniversary edition of 'red nose', a bilingual PDF magazine dedicated to the art of clowning. This issue explores the intersection of music, humor, and educational support for children through the lens of theatrical clowning practices.

Performing ArtsPublicationClowningGoetheanum
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New research on biodynamic agriculture featured in Living Farms magazine

New research on biodynamic agriculture featured in Living Farms magazine

The latest issue of the Goetheanum’s 'Living Farms' magazine explores recent scientific studies into the benefits of biodynamic farming. The research highlights the positive impact of these methods on soil fertility, animal welfare, and crop resilience, including fascinating findings on cucumber regeneration and cow health.

AgricultureResearchSustainabilityGoetheanum
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New research on hyperthermia for post-Covid syndrome supported by the Goetheanum

New research on hyperthermia for post-Covid syndrome supported by the Goetheanum

The Goetheanum shares new clinical insights into the use of whole-body hyperthermia for managing post-Covid syndrome. This therapeutic approach, which uses controlled temperature increases, shows potential in supporting immune recovery and addressing persistent symptoms within an integrative medicine framework.

Medical ResearchIntegrative MedicineScienceHealth
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The New Pegasus Project: Art and Digital Engagement at the Goetheanum

The New Pegasus Project: Art and Digital Engagement at the Goetheanum

The Goetheanum presents the New Pegasus Project, an innovative initiative for young people exploring the intersection of digital media, artistic expression, and sustainability. Through workshops and performances, participants use sound, color, and form to create interactive movement choreographies while discussing the impact of technology on society.

WorkshopsYouth ProgramTechnologyArts
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Goetheanum FAQs: Hours, Parking, and Visitor Curiosities

We know the Goetheanum in Dornach is reliably open daily from 09:00 to 20:00, but if you want to call ahead about parking fees, you will have to embrace a bit of mystery. Since phone lines are not in our records, simply show up and experience this monumental landmark for yourself!

Goetheanum weekend opening hours

On weekends, the Goetheanum is open from 09:00 to 20:00 on both Saturdays and Sundays.

What time does Goetheanum close?

The Goetheanum closes at 20:00 daily, with standard closing hours remaining the same from Monday through Sunday.

What are the opening hours of Goetheanum?

The Goetheanum is open daily from 09:00 to 20:00, Monday through Sunday.

Does Goetheanum have special opening hours?

There are no special opening hours or holiday exceptions currently listed for the Goetheanum.

Planning Your Visit to the Goetheanum

When planning a visit to the Goetheanum in Dornach, visitors can explore the monumental concrete building, its surrounding landscaped grounds, and various exhibitions. For those traveling by car, on-site parking is available at the venue to help facilitate your arrival. It is highly recommended to plan your schedule in advance if you wish to participate in specific architecture tours or attend scheduled performances.

Goetheanum Visitor Experience and Suitability

The Goetheanum in Dornach is particularly suited for individuals, study groups, and students interested in expressive architecture, local heritage, and spiritual science. Visitors who enjoy exploring unique architectural landmarks will appreciate Rudolf Steiner’s monumental concrete design and the various exhibition spaces. The campus also appeals to nature lovers and those seeking a quiet environment, thanks to its picturesque garden park set against the scenic Jura landscape. With an on-site café, a dedicated bookshop, and guided tours, the venue provides a contemplative yet educational experience for both solo travelers and organized groups.

Goetheanum Architecture and Photo Gallery

Images of the Goetheanum in Dornach capture the striking, sculptural concrete facades and expressive organic shapes designed by Rudolf Steiner. Visual previews showcase the building's dramatic curved rooflines, towering windows, and the unique, tree-like form of the nearby Heizhaus. Set against the scenic Jura landscape, these views highlight a remarkable blend of pioneering architecture and green parklands.

Aerial view of the Goetheanum, a large concrete building with a distinctive roof, surrounded by green lawns, trees, and smaller structures.
The Goetheanum building in Dornach illuminated at dusk, showing its distinctive sculptural concrete facade against a deep blue twilight sky
Exterior view of the Goetheanum, a large sculptural concrete building with organic forms and tall narrow windows, surrounded by green grass and trees under a cloudy sky.
Interior view of a large auditorium with rows of green seats facing a stage, flanked by white sculptural columns and a colorful painted ceiling.
Stylized dark gray icon depicting the angular silhouette of the Goetheanum building with three ascending geometric shapes
Interior concrete wall with arched red-framed window showing sunset sky and folding chairs arranged below
Wide shot of the Goetheanum, a large concrete building with distinctive curved and angular architecture, set against a clear blue sky with a green lawn in the foreground.
Front facade of the Goetheanum in Dornach, a large curved concrete building with a central multi-pane window, entrance doors beneath a wide overhang, and a paved pathway leading up to it under a blue sky with wispy clouds
The Goetheanum building in Dornach viewed through blooming pink magnolias and yellow forsythia in spring
Exterior view of the Goetheanum building in Dornach, featuring its unique concrete architecture with large windows and distinctive roofline against a dramatic blue sky
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