
Stolperstein Anna Michaelis Baden-Baden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction: Stolperstein Anna Michaelis in Baden-Baden — History and Cultural Importance
The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, stands as a powerful decentralized memorial to victims of Nazi persecution. Small, hand-engraved brass plaques are set into sidewalks outside the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted or murdered during the Holocaust and under National Socialism. These markers, now numbering over 100,000 in 27 countries, serve as intimate daily reminders of the lives forever changed or lost to intolerance and hatred (stolpersteine.eu, fabriziomusacchio.com).
Baden-Baden, a city renowned for its cultural and architectural heritage, is home to several Stolpersteine, including the one dedicated to Anna Michaelis, a respected local poet and teacher persecuted during the Nazi era. Her Stolperstein at Ludwig-Wilhelm-Straße 6 not only honors her memory but embodies the city’s broader commitment to remembering its Jewish community and the Holocaust’s impact (baden-baden.com, goodnews4.de).
Visiting Anna Michaelis’s Stolperstein offers a direct, tangible encounter with history. The plaque is accessible at all times, free of charge, and is best visited during daylight for optimal visibility and reflection. Visitors are encouraged to read the inscription, observe respectful etiquette, and, when possible, join a guided tour for deeper understanding. With nearby attractions like the Kurhaus, Lichtentaler Allee, and Museum Frieder Burda, a visit to the Stolperstein can be part of a broader exploration of Baden-Baden’s rich past (baden-baden.de, claudiatravels.com).
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Anna Michaelis’s Stolperstein, covering its historical background, cultural importance, practical visitor information, and respectful engagement tips.
Table of Contents
- Origins and Development of the Stolpersteine Project
- Purpose and Philosophy
- Scope and Scale
- Artistic and Memorial Aspects
- Community Involvement and Installation Process
- Educational Impact and Digital Resources
- Visiting Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Practical Information
- Anna Michaelis Stolperstein: Monument Overview and Historical Significance
- Visiting Information: Etiquette, Accessibility, and FAQs
- Responsible Tourism and Community Engagement
- Conclusion and Call to Action
Origins and Development of the Stolpersteine Project
The Stolpersteine project began as a conceptual art intervention by Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s. The first stone was installed in Cologne in 1996, commemorating the deportation routes of the Sinti and Roma. Demnig’s intent was to return the stories of Nazi victims to the places they once lived, directly challenging the fading collective memory and personalizing the act of remembrance (fabriziomusacchio.com, stolpersteine.eu).
Purpose and Philosophy
Unlike centralized memorials, Stolpersteine are embedded in everyday life, confronting passersby with the memory of the Holocaust at street level. Each plaque is personalized, bearing the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, when known, place and date of death (germany.info). The act of “stumbling” is metaphorical, prompting people to reflect with their hearts and minds, turning remembrance into an intimate experience.
Scope and Scale
By 2024, over 100,000 Stolpersteine had been laid in 27 countries, making it the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial (fabriziomusacchio.com). The stones honor Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, disabled individuals, and others targeted by the Nazis. Some stones commemorate survivors, emphasizing the restoration of family memory (stolpersteine.eu).
Artistic and Memorial Aspects
All Stolpersteine are hand-engraved and measure 10 x 10 cm. Brass surfaces catch the light, drawing attention to the small yet significant memorials. While some have raised concerns about stepping on victims’ names, the project encourages visitors to look down, pause, and remember, transforming the cityscape into a living memorial (fabriziomusacchio.com).
Community Involvement and Installation Process
Community engagement is central to the Stolpersteine project. Stones are sponsored by individuals, families, schools, and local organizations, who often participate in research and public installation ceremonies. Regional coordinators facilitate the process, ensuring memorials are rooted in local history (stolpersteine.eu).
Educational Impact and Digital Resources
Stolpersteine installations are often accompanied by educational events, school projects, and public discussions. Digital resources, including mobile apps and online databases, make it easier to locate stones and learn about their histories (fabriziomusacchio.com).
Visiting Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Practical Information
- Visiting Hours: Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7.
- Tickets: No tickets or entry fees are required.
- Accessibility: Most are on public sidewalks, generally accessible to wheelchair users; some cobblestone areas may present challenges.
- Guided Tours: Local organizations and operators offer tours focused on Jewish history and Stolpersteine.
- Locating Stolpersteine: Use online databases, mobile apps, and maps from the tourist office for precise information (fabriziomusacchio.com).
Anna Michaelis Stolperstein: Monument Overview and Historical Significance
Location and Inscription Details
Anna Michaelis’s Stolperstein is located at Ludwig-Wilhelm-Straße 6, Baden-Baden (gedenkbuch.baden-baden.de). The plaque reads:
HIER WOHNTE
ANNA MICHAELIS
JG. 1860
DEPORTIERT 1942
THERESIENSTADT
ERMORDET 31.8.1942
Installed in 2009, the stone marks her last residence before deportation and murder in Theresienstadt.
Cultural Context
Anna Michaelis was a teacher and poet who contributed to Baden-Baden’s cultural life. Despite her integration, she was deported and murdered at age 82. Her Stolperstein is part of more than 200 in Baden-Baden, each restoring identity and dignity to victims of Nazi crimes (goodnews4.de).
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Combine your visit with explorations of:
- Kurhaus Baden-Baden: Historic spa and casino
- Lichtentaler Allee: Scenic park
- Museum Frieder Burda: Modern art museum
Public transport and street parking are available. The site is a short walk from the city center.
Guided Tours and Events
Guided walking tours on Jewish history and the Holocaust include Stolpersteine visits. Consult the Baden-Baden Tourism Office for schedules, English-language options, and special events.
Photography and Virtual Resources
Photography is permitted—please be discreet and respectful. Virtual tours and maps are accessible via the Stolpersteine Project website.
Visiting Information: Etiquette, Accessibility, and FAQs
Etiquette and Respectful Behavior
- Avoid stepping on the plaque.
- Pause to read and reflect.
- Use a soft cloth to polish the stone if you wish.
- Keep noise to a minimum and respect residents nearby.
- Discreet photography is permitted.
Accessibility and Amenities
The site is accessible to most, including wheelchair users, though some pavement may be uneven. Cafés, shops, and restrooms are nearby in the city center.
FAQs
Q: Are there fees or tickets required?
A: No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Early morning or late afternoon for quiet reflection; commemorative events occur on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27).
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, often with English-language options—contact the tourism office for details.
Q: How to find Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden?
A: Use online maps, the tourist office, or consult the Stadtmuseum (baden-baden.com).
Q: How can I support the project?
A: Donations and sponsorships are coordinated by the Stadtmuseum and local banks.
Responsible Tourism and Community Engagement
Visitors are encouraged to engage with local educational programs, support ongoing Stolpersteine efforts, and treat the memorial with the dignity it deserves (visitberlin.de).
Conclusion and Call to Action
The Stolperstein for Anna Michaelis is more than a plaque—it is a living memorial and a call to remembrance and vigilance. By visiting, reflecting, and supporting the Stolpersteine project, you help preserve the memory of those lost and contribute to ongoing education against intolerance.
For more information, download the Audiala app for interactive maps and audio guides, and follow local organizations on social media for updates. Explore related articles for deeper insights into Baden-Baden’s heritage and the continuing impact of the Stolpersteine initiative.
Images, maps, and virtual tours are available on our website, with descriptive alt tags such as “Stolperstein in Baden-Baden commemorating Anna Michaelis” for accessibility and SEO.
References
- Visiting Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: History, Facts, Visiting Hours, and Tips for Tourists, 2024
- Anna Michaelis Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: A Monument to Memory and History, 2024
- Visiting the Stolperstein for Anna Michaelis in Baden-Baden: Location, History, and Visitor Tips, 2024
- Stolperstein Baden-Baden Visitor Guide: Hours, Etiquette & Historical Insights, 2024
- Stolpersteine Project Official Website, 2024
- Baden-Baden Tourism Office, 2024