An exhibition of the Vitra Design Museum, Weil am Rhein, in cooperation with the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg and the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart.

Marking the 150th birthday of Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), MAK will show a comprehensive exhibition showcasing one of the twentieth century’s most influential and likewise controversial reformers. His universalistic thinking inspired artists such as Piet Mondrian, Wassily Kandinsky, and Joseph Beuys; the building of the Goetheanum presents a milestone in organic architecture. Despite controversial interpretations, Steiner’s polarizing work is currently experiencing a renaissance, triggered by discussions surrounding ecological and social responsibility and the spiritual search for meaning, and alternative economic models. His holistic view, based in Anthroposophy, is realized in sustainable innovations, such as the Waldorf educational method, biologicaldynamic agriculture, and alternative methods in medicine and banking. The exhibition at MAK is the first major retrospective in Austria. More than 200 works, comprising texts, art works, drawings, models, and furniture designs, will experience a new contextualization in Vienna where the young Steiner experienced his socialization. Divided into themes, the show approaches Steiner’s extensive oeuvre, creating ties to social and artistic movements from his era and today.

Curator Thomas Geisler, MAK Curator Design

Curator Vitra Design Museum Mateo Kries

The majority of loaned objects comes from the Rudolf Steiner Archive and the art collection of the Goetheanum, which provided essential research assistance in preparations for the exhibition.

The exhibition is accompanied by the catalogue "RUDOLF STEINER - Alchemy of the Everyday", edited by Mateo Kries and Alexander von Vegesack, with a preface by Martina Kandeler-Fritsch, German, 338 pages, Vitra Design Museum, Weil/Rhein 2011, € 45 MAK Design Shop