Effective in the face of resistance

Waldorf schools and kindergartens, biodynamic farming and Anthroposophical Medicine are rooted in the anthroposophical approach developed by Rudolf Steiner. But the effectiveness of his work was not to be taken for granted, as events organized at and around the Goetheanum for the 100th anniversary of his death on 30 March will illustrate.

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Rudolf Steiner met with much resistance and his concerns were not always openly received. At a time of political and social crises, his view of a creative relationship between the sensory physical and the spiritual world as a source for forces of renewal was not accessible to everyone. Gradually, however, he was joined by others with whose help the anthroposophical approach was able to inspire many spheres of life.

An exhibition on Rudolf Steiner‘s life and work at the Goetheanum reflects on these developments by tracing his biography chronologically and by presenting the spheres of life inspired by him. The exhibition was developed by Christiane Haid, head of Visual Arts at the Goetheanum, and the architect Pieter van der Ree. One of the speakers at the preview will be the National Councillor and member of the ‘Rudolf Steiner 100’ patronage committee, Felix Wettstein.

Many public references to Rudolf Steiner can be found in his birthplace Donji Kraljevec in Croatia. Now he will also be honoured in Dornach, Switzerland, where he died. Public tributes will be paid to him in the presence of the current mayors of both towns, with the inauguration of a commemorative plaque and a bronze recast of Rudolf Steiner‘s suitcase at the Dornach Arlesheim railway station in Switzerland. In addition, there will be a panel discussion on ‘Rudolf Steiner and the 20th/21st century. Inspiration and Challenge’.

A conference with a commemorative concert will honour Rudolf Steiner‘s life work with presentations of the contemporary and current areas of research and activity both at the Goetheanum and worldwide and with multiple initiatives around the Goetheanum Campus.

Programme Rudolf Steiner 100 (selection)

28 March 2025

3 pm Panel discussion (in German) Rudolf Steiner and the 20th and 21st Century. Inspiration and Challenge
With Eugen Blume, Philip Ursprung, Martina Maria Sam and Walter Kugler. Moderator: Christiane Haid

5 pm Preview Rudolf Steiner Exhibition (in German)
‘Igniting out of cosmic spirit. Rudolf Steiner. Life and Work 1861–1925’
With a welcome address by Solothurn National Councillor Felix Wettstein
The exhibition (with panels in German and English) will run until 1 January 2026.

6 to 9 pm Contributions on Campus (in German)
Concerts, readings, lectures, guided tours

29 March 2025

9 am Conference (in English and in German) ‘Rudolf Steiner. On the 100th Anniversary of His Death’

1.30 pm Inauguration Commemorative plaque and bronze recast of Rudolf Steiner’s suitcase (in German)
With contributions by Daniel Urech, Dornach, Switzerland, Miljenko Horvat, Donje Kraljevec, Croatia,
Ueli Hurter and Stefan Hasler, Executive Council at the Goetheanum, 
Dornach-Arlesheim railway station

8 pm Concert
Anton Bruckner, Symphony No. 4
Neues Orchester Basel, conductor: Christian Knüsel

30 March 2025

9 am Conference (contd.) (in English and in German) ‘Rudolf Steiner. On the 100th Anniversary of His Death’

2 to 5 pm Contributions on Campus (in German)
Concerts, readings, lectures, guided tours

14 April 2025

7 pm Book preview (in German)
‘Rudolf Steiner und die Anthroposophie. Studien zu Leben und Werk’ [Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy. Studies on his life and work]
With Peter Selg, author, and Harald Lierl, publisher (Schwabe Verlag)

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