Stolperstein Dedicated To Marie Maier

Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Marie Maier in Baden-Baden, Germany: Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, is the world’s largest decentralized memorial, commemorating more than 116,000 victims of Nazi persecution across over 1,860 municipalities and 31 European countries as of 2024 (stolpersteine.eu). These small, brass-plated cobblestones are embedded in sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of victims, serving as poignant reminders of individual lives lost during the Holocaust.

In Baden-Baden, a historic spa town in southwestern Germany, Stolpersteine are integrated thoughtfully into the cityscape. Among them is the stone dedicated to Marie Maier, a victim of Nazi persecution. This guide provides you with detailed historical context, practical visitor information, and tips for engaging meaningfully with the Stolpersteine, especially the Marie Maier memorial.

Origins and Development of the Stolpersteine Project

Gunter Demnig’s Stolpersteine project began as a grassroots initiative to honor the victims of National Socialism—Jews, Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube topped with a brass plate, inscribed with the victim’s name and life dates, and placed at their last freely chosen residence or workplace (stichting-stolpersteine.nl).

The first stones were laid in Berlin-Kreuzberg in 1996, and the project soon expanded throughout Germany and into neighboring countries. By 2023, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine had been installed, making this the largest decentralized memorial in the world (en.wikipedia.org).

Symbolism and Meaning

“Stolperstein” is a German word meaning “stumbling stone.” The intention is not for people to trip physically, but to be prompted to remember and reflect as they encounter the stones in daily life. Each stone is inscribed with “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”), followed by the victim’s details. In this way, Stolpersteine restore individuality and dignity to people dehumanized by the Nazi regime (stichting-stolpersteine.nl).

Their placement in everyday public spaces ensures that memory and history remain present in the flow of urban life.

Stolpersteine in Baden-Württemberg and Baden-Baden

Stolpersteine have become a prominent feature in many cities across Baden-Württemberg, including Baden-Baden. The first in the state was laid in Freiburg in 2002 (de.wikipedia.org). In Baden-Baden, over 213 Stolpersteine have been installed, marking the last known residences of individuals and families targeted by the Nazi regime (goodnews4.de).

Local historians and community groups conduct meticulous research to ensure each stone is a personalized memorial rather than an anonymous marker (claudiatravels.com).

The Stolperstein Dedicated to Marie Maier

Marie Maier’s Stolperstein is one of many in Baden-Baden but stands as a testament to the city’s lost Jewish community. While specific biographical details about Marie Maier may be limited, the stone is a result of careful archival work and is inscribed with her name, birth date, and fate. It is a symbol of the broader tragedy and the city’s commitment to remembrance (commons.wikimedia.org).

The Stolperstein for Marie Maier is typically found in the sidewalk outside her last freely chosen residence. The city’s tourist office or the Stolpersteine Guide app can provide exact location details.

Visiting the Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: What You Need to Know

Accessibility and Visiting Hours

Open Access: Stolpersteine are in public spaces and accessible 24/7, requiring no tickets or fees.
Accessibility: Most stones are level with the pavement and accessible to wheelchair users, though some historic sidewalks may be uneven.
Respectful Conduct: Visitors are encouraged to approach with respect, pause to read the inscriptions, and avoid standing directly on the stones. Leaving a small stone, flower, or candle is customary.

How to Locate Stolpersteine

Maps and Apps: Use the Stolpersteine Guide app or contact Baden-Baden Tourist Information for interactive maps and suggested walking routes.
Guided Tours: The city and local organizations occasionally offer guided Stolperstein walks and remembrance events. Check current schedules ahead of your visit.

Suggested Routes and Nearby Attractions

Walking Tours: Combine your Stolperstein visit with other historic landmarks such as the Kurhaus, Roman Baths, and Lichtentaler Allee (baden-baden.com).
Museums: The Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden features exhibits on the city’s Jewish history and the impact of the Nazi era.

The Process of Installation and Community Involvement

Stolpersteine installations are community-driven. Families, historians, or concerned citizens can request a stone, after which research, local authority approval, and coordination with Gunter Demnig’s team follow (stichting-stolpersteine.nl). Installation ceremonies often include relatives, school groups, and local residents, reinforcing the project’s educational mission.

Criticism, Maintenance, and Ongoing Remembrance

There has been some criticism of placing memorials in the pavement, where they can be stepped on or soiled. Supporters argue this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the fragility of memory and the need for ongoing vigilance (en.wikipedia.org).

Stolpersteine require regular cleaning. Local initiatives often organize cleaning days, and flowers or candles are placed on special dates. This ongoing care is an act of remembrance itself.

Historical and Educational Significance

The Marie Maier Stolperstein personalizes history, transforming abstract events into tangible experiences. Local schools adopt stones for research and ceremonies, fostering historical inquiry and civic responsibility (stadtwiki-baden-baden.de). Digital tools and guided tours further enrich the educational experience.

Cultural Importance and Community Memory

By embedding memory in the fabric of daily life, Stolpersteine democratize remembrance and ensure the stories of victims remain part of the living city. Installation ceremonies and ongoing care by volunteers and students symbolize the community’s commitment to confronting difficult histories and nurturing a culture of respect (germany.info).

Quantitative Highlights

Over 116,000 Stolpersteine installed across 31 countries as of 2024 (stolpersteine.eu).
Baden-Baden: More than 213 Stolpersteine, with numbers growing since 2013 (goodnews4.de).
Project Support: Thousands of volunteers across Europe.

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Times: Early mornings or late afternoons are quieter for reflection.
Photography: Discreet photography is permitted; use descriptive alt text for accessibility (e.g., “Marie Maier Stolperstein in Baden-Baden”).
Combine Visits: Explore nearby cultural sites for context and reflection.
Accessibility: Most stones are accessible, but some streets may have uneven pavements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Marie Maier Stolperstein located?
A: In the sidewalk outside her last freely chosen residence. Contact the tourist office or use the Stolpersteine Guide app for precise details.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local organizations and the tourist office. Booking in advance is recommended.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible to all visitors?
A: Generally yes, but some historic pavements may be uneven.

Q: Is there a fee to visit?
A: No, visiting Stolpersteine is always free.

Q: How can I participate in remembrance?
A: Attend ceremonies, help maintain stones, or leave a stone or flower as a sign of respect.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Combine the Stolperstein visit with a walking tour of Baden-Baden’s landmarks.
Spend time at the Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden for further context.
Use digital resources like the Stolpersteine Guide app for biographies and self-guided tours.
Check for special remembrance events, especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Marie Maier Stolperstein in Baden-Baden is more than a memorial—it is an invitation to remember and reflect on the lives interrupted by Nazi terror. By engaging with these decentralized monuments, visitors contribute to a living culture of remembrance and ensure that the stories of victims like Marie Maier remain alive in public consciousness.

Plan your visit using local resources, participate in remembrance activities, and help keep the memory alive for future generations. For up-to-date information on events, tours, and educational resources, consider downloading the Audiala app or following local organizations on social media.