Stolperstein Dedicated To Alice Kullmann

Stolperstein Alice Kullmann Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Alice Kullmann in Karlsruhe, Germany, offers a deeply personal and reflective encounter with the city’s history under National Socialism. Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small brass plaques set into sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of victims of Nazi persecution. Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, these decentralized memorials have become the world’s largest grassroots Holocaust remembrance initiative, with over 107,000 stones installed in nearly 1,900 European municipalities as of 2024 (Stolpersteine.eu).

In Karlsruhe, Stolpersteine commemorate citizens targeted by the Nazi regime—including Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, and others. The Stolperstein for Alice Kullmann, born in 1887, is located at Kriegsstraße 69, marking her last known residence before deportation to the Gurs internment camp (stadtlexikon2.karlsruhe.de; ka.stadtwiki.net). These memorial stones invite residents and visitors alike to reflect on individual stories, moving Holocaust remembrance beyond statistics to honor personal histories.

This guide provides all the essential details for visiting the Alice Kullmann Stolperstein, including historical context, practical travel information, nearby attractions, accessibility, and the broader significance of the Stolpersteine project.

Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project
Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Local Context
The Story of Alice Kullmann
Visiting the Stolperstein: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Sites
Educational and Community Impact
Controversies and Discussions
Practical Visitor Tips
FAQ
Conclusion and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project began in 1992 as a decentralized memorial initiative by Gunter Demnig. The first stones were laid in Cologne to commemorate the deportation of Sinti and Roma families (LBI News). By 1993, the project evolved to honor individual victims at their last chosen residences, with each stone engraved with the person’s name, birthdate, fate, and, if known, place and date of death (Stolpersteine.eu).

Over time, the Stolpersteine have become the largest Holocaust memorial in the world, reaching beyond Germany to Austria, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Hungary, Ukraine, and more (Stolpersteine.eu). The project’s participatory nature—local citizens, historians, and descendants initiate and fund most installations—makes remembrance an ongoing, community-driven process.

Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Local Context

Karlsruhe has been a significant participant in the Stolpersteine project since the first stones were laid in 2005 (ka.stadtwiki.net). As of 2017, nearly 300 stones have been installed citywide, commemorating Jews, Sinti and Roma, political and religious dissidents, and other victims of the Nazi regime (stadtgeschichte.karlsruhe.de).

These micro-memorials are embedded in the daily fabric of Karlsruhe, often accompanied by educational programs, community cleaning events, and guided tours. Their presence invites spontaneous moments of reflection as individuals “stumble” upon them in their everyday routines.

The Story of Alice Kullmann

Alice Kullmann, née Katz, was born in Mannheim in 1887. She and her family were persecuted under National Socialism due to their Jewish ancestry—despite their secular lifestyle. In October 1940, Alice, her husband Leopold, and their daughter Gertrud were deported to the Gurs internment camp in southern France. Leopold died there, while Alice and Gertrud endured harsh conditions (stadtlexikon2.karlsruhe.de). The Stolperstein for Alice Kullmann at Kriegsstraße 69 marks the family’s last address in Karlsruhe, serving as a lasting witness to their lives and suffering.

Visiting the Stolperstein: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Location and Access

Address: Kriegsstraße 69, Karlsruhe, Germany (stadtlexikon2.karlsruhe.de)
Access: The Stolperstein is installed on a public sidewalk and is accessible at all times.

Visiting Hours

Open: 24/7, year-round
Admission: Free; no tickets or reservations required

Accessibility

The memorial is at street level and generally accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Some sidewalks in Karlsruhe may be uneven; plan your route accordingly and consult digital maps or contact local organizations for guidance.

Nearby Attractions and Cultural Sites

While visiting the Alice Kullmann Stolperstein, consider exploring other historical and cultural sites in Karlsruhe:

Karlsruhe Palace and State Museum: Explore the region’s history and culture.
State Art Gallery (Staatliche Kunsthalle): Houses a significant art collection.
Karlsruhe Synagogue Memorial: Commemorates the city’s Jewish heritage.
Botanical Gardens: Offers a peaceful setting near the city center.

These sites enrich your understanding of Karlsruhe’s diverse history and the impact of National Socialism on the city.

Educational and Community Impact

Stolpersteine are more than memorials—they serve as educational tools and catalysts for dialogue about history, tolerance, and human rights. In Karlsruhe, local volunteers and organizations clean the stones, organize ceremonies, and integrate remembrance into school curricula (rk-karlsruhe.de).

Digital resources like the Stolpersteine Guide app provide biographies and walking tours, making the memorials accessible to a global audience and enhancing the educational experience.

Controversies and Discussions

The Stolpersteine project, while widely adopted, has sparked debate—particularly regarding the placement of names on the ground, which some see as potentially disrespectful (LBI News). In cities like Munich, alternatives such as wall plaques have been implemented. However, in Karlsruhe and most locations, the Stolpersteine remain a powerful, community-supported form of remembrance.

Practical Visitor Tips

Finding the Stolperstein: Use the official city map or the Wikipedia list of Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe.
Best Hours: Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter moments for reflection.
Respect: Pause to read the inscription; leave a small stone or flower as a sign of remembrance if you wish.
Photography: Permitted; please be discreet and respectful of residents.
Accessibility: Most stones are accessible, but check local maps for sidewalk conditions.
Guided Tours: Available through local organizations or the Karlsruhe tourism office. Booking in advance is recommended.

FAQ

Q: Where is the Stolperstein for Alice Kullmann located?
A: At Kriegsstraße 69, Karlsruhe.

Q: When can I visit?
A: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, visiting is free.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local organizations and the tourism office. Check their websites for details.

Q: Is the memorial accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Generally yes, though some city sidewalks may be uneven.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but do so respectfully.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Stolperstein for Alice Kullmann stands as a poignant testament to the personal tragedies of the Holocaust, embedded within Karlsruhe’s vibrant urban landscape. This small brass plaque not only honors Alice and her family’s story but also symbolizes the city’s ongoing commitment to remembrance, education, and the promotion of human rights. Visiting the Stolperstein requires no tickets or appointments and can be combined with walks to other local historical sites for a richer experience.

Visitors are encouraged to explore further using the Stolpersteine Guide app, participate in local remembrance events, and share their experiences to amplify the legacy of Holocaust victims. By doing so, we help ensure that stories like Alice Kullmann’s remain part of our collective conscience.