Stolperstein Dedicated To Albert Kuhn

Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Albert Kuhn in Karlsruhe, Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein commemorating Albert Kuhn in Karlsruhe is a powerful, tangible reminder of the individuals persecuted and murdered by the Nazi regime. As part of the pioneering Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project—initiated by artist Gunter Demnig—this small brass plaque embedded in the city’s pavement ensures the victims’ names and stories remain present in daily life. This guide provides a detailed overview of the historical context, practical visiting information, cultural significance, and nearby attractions, intending to enrich your visit with understanding and reflection.

Introduction
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins, Purpose, and Impact
The Life and Fate of Albert Kuhn
Visiting the Stolperstein for Albert Kuhn: Practical Information
Visitor Tips and Etiquette
Integration with Karlsruhe’s Historical Landscape
Community Involvement and Preservation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Exploration
References

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins, Purpose, and Impact

Origins and Philosophy

The Stolpersteine project was conceived by Gunter Demnig in 1992, with the goal of commemorating victims of National Socialism directly at the places where they last lived or worked by choice (Stolpersteine.eu, Wikipedia). The term “Stolperstein” translates to “stumbling stone,” inviting passersby to literally and figuratively “stumble upon” these markers and remember those who once lived there.

Unlike traditional, centralized memorials, Stolpersteine are decentralized and integrated into the urban landscape, fostering personal encounters with history (Prague Views). Each stone is a 10x10 cm concrete cube topped with a brass plate, inscribed with the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and, if known, date and place of death (Germany.info).

Growth and Reach

Since the first stones were installed in Berlin in 1996, the project has expanded to over 100,000 stones across more than 1,800 towns and cities in 28 European countries (Stolpersteine.eu, Wikipedia). The initiative honors not only Jewish victims but also Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, Jehovah’s Witnesses, people with disabilities, homosexuals, and others persecuted by the Nazi regime (Folklife Magazine).

The Stolpersteine are more than memorials; they are living testimonies embedded in the cityscape, prompting daily remembrance and reflection (ka-news.de). Community participation—through research, ceremonies, and maintenance—ensures that these sites remain meaningful and relevant.

The Life and Fate of Albert Kuhn

Biographical Overview

Albert Kuhn was born on August 19, 1880, in Pforzheim and later settled with his family at Klosestraße 38 in Karlsruhe, a city known for its once-thriving Jewish community (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe). The Kuhn family lived peacefully in the Südweststadt district until they were targeted and persecuted by the Nazi regime.

Persecution and Memory

The Stolpersteine at Klosestraße 38 commemorate Albert Kuhn, his wife Hilda, and their children Werner Josef and Günter Leo, who were deported and murdered during the Holocaust. Like thousands of others, their lives were irrevocably shattered by Nazi policies. The stones, installed on November 9, 2006, serve as enduring reminders of their presence and fate, returning their names to the city’s living memory (Stolpersteine Klosestraße 38).

Visiting the Stolperstein for Albert Kuhn: Practical Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Klosestraße 38, Südweststadt, Karlsruhe, Germany (Stolpersteine Klosestraße 38)
The Stolpersteine are embedded flush with the pavement, directly in front of the building entrance.
The area is residential, calm, and well-suited for reflection.
Sidewalks are wide and generally wheelchair-accessible, making the site suitable for all visitors.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Open 24/7: As public memorials, Stolpersteine can be visited at any time, free of charge.
Best times: Daylight hours are recommended for visibility and safety.

How to Get There

Public Transport: Easily accessible by Karlsruhe’s tram and bus network.
By Foot: The site is within walking distance from the city center (Travelita Karlsruhe Guide).
Digital Maps: Use GPS or mapping services for precise directions (Mapcarta).

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Local institutions and schools, such as the Kant-Gymnasium, organize guided tours and educational events that often include the Stolpersteine throughout Karlsruhe (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe).
Self-guided routes and digital guides are available, providing background stories and connecting multiple memorials in the city.

Special Events

Annual cleaning ceremonies and commemorations occur around November 9 (Kristallnacht anniversary) and January 27 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day), often involving local volunteers and residents.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Physical Features

Four Stolpersteine honor Albert Kuhn and his family, each engraved with their names, birth dates, and fates.
The brass plates are polished and sometimes decorated with flowers, candles, or pebbles—a traditional sign of remembrance.

Atmosphere

The setting is quiet and residential, fostering reflection and respect.
The stones’ location at foot level encourages passersby to “stumble” upon them, fulfilling Demnig’s vision of remembrance arising in daily life.

Visitor Tips and Etiquette

Be Respectful: Avoid stepping directly on the stones; take a moment to read the inscriptions.
Photography: Discreet photos are permitted—please respect privacy and the solemnity of the site.
Tokens of Remembrance: Flowers, candles, or small stones may be left as a tribute.
Community Events: Consider joining or observing cleaning events or commemorations.
Audio Guides: Apps like Audiala offer informative audio tours for deeper context.

Integration with Karlsruhe’s Historical Landscape

The Stolperstein for Albert Kuhn is part of a broader remembrance network across Karlsruhe. Other sites of interest include:

The Karlsruhe Synagogue Monument
Jewish Museum Karlsruhe
Former synagogue site and Jewish cemetery
Karlsruhe Palace and the Baden State Museum
ZKM Center for Art and Media
Durlach historic district

Mapped tours and cultural routes are available to help visitors connect these sites and build a richer understanding of the city’s Jewish heritage and history (Culture Tourist Karlsruhe Guide).

Community Involvement and Preservation

Karlsruhe’s Stolpersteine are maintained by local volunteers who clean and care for the memorials. Residents of Klosestraße 38 and the surrounding neighborhood recognize the importance of these stones as living markers of the city’s past (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe). Community engagement ensures the ongoing relevance of these memorials and the continued honoring of victims like Albert Kuhn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there set visiting hours or admission fees for Stolpersteine?
A: No. Stolpersteine are public memorials embedded in sidewalks and are accessible at all times, free of charge.

Q: How do I reach Klosestraße 38?
A: Take Karlsruhe’s tram or bus to Südweststadt. Use GPS or digital maps for precise walking directions.

Q: Can I join a guided tour?
A: Yes. Local organizations and schools offer guided or self-guided tours featuring Stolpersteine and other memorials. Check with the Karlsruhe tourism office for details.

Q: Is the site accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Yes. The sidewalks are generally flat and accessible.

Q: May I take photographs?
A: Discreet photography is permitted. Please be respectful of the memorial and nearby residents.

Conclusion and Further Exploration

A visit to the Stolperstein for Albert Kuhn in Karlsruhe is a deeply meaningful act of remembrance and reflection. This small but powerful memorial, set in the fabric of everyday city life, honors the memory of individuals whose lives were destroyed by intolerance and hate. By visiting, participating in commemorations, or simply pausing to read the names, you contribute to the living legacy of remembrance and the ongoing fight against forgetting.

To enrich your visit, consider exploring other historical sites in Karlsruhe, participating in guided or self-guided tours, and using resources like the Audiala app for additional context. Your engagement helps ensure that the stories of Albert Kuhn and countless others continue to inspire empathy, vigilance, and hope.