
Stolperstein Arnold Seeligmann Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Arnold Seeligmann in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a deeply personal memorial commemorating one of the city’s many Jewish victims of Nazi persecution. As part of Gunter Demnig’s Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project—the largest decentralized Holocaust memorial in the world—this small brass plaque embedded in the sidewalk at Seeligmann’s last freely chosen residence transforms an everyday urban space into a poignant site of reflection and remembrance (stolpersteine.eu).
This comprehensive guide provides historical context, practical visitor information, and travel tips to help you meaningfully experience the Arnold Seeligmann Stolperstein and understand its significance within Karlsruhe’s broader network of remembrance sites.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Background: Stolpersteine Project and Philosophy
- Arnold Seeligmann: Life and Memorialization
- Location and Visiting Hours
- Visitor Experience and Etiquette
- Accessibility and Travel Tips
- Community Engagement and Educational Value
- Nearby Attractions and Further Exploration
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Call to Action
- References
Background: Stolpersteine Project and Philosophy
Conceived by Cologne-based artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, Stolpersteine are decentralized memorials honoring victims of the Nazi regime. Each ten-centimeter square concrete block, topped with a brass plate inscribed with the victim’s name and fate, is installed in the pavement at their last freely chosen residence or workplace (stolpersteine.eu; folklife.si.edu).
The project’s guiding philosophy is to bring remembrance out of museums and monuments and into the public sphere, “stumbling” across memory in the course of daily life. The decentralized, unobtrusive design ensures that memory is accessible, personal, and integrated within the urban landscape (en.wikipedia.org).
Stolpersteine honor not only Jewish victims, but also Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, Jehovah’s Witnesses, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others persecuted by the Nazis. As of 2024, over 116,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in 31 European countries (stolpersteine.eu).
Arnold Seeligmann: Life and Memorialization
Dr. Arnold Seeligmann was a respected Jewish lawyer and citizen of Karlsruhe, born in 1861. He and his wife, Rosalie, lived at Kriegsstraße 192 until their deportation to the Gurs internment camp in 1940, where both perished shortly thereafter (ka.stadtwiki.net; gedenkbuch.karlsruhe.de).
The Stolperstein for Arnold Seeligmann was installed on 9 November 2006, with family members and local community present. The stone’s inscription records his birth year, deportation date, destination, and fate—restoring his name and story to public consciousness at the very site of his former home (ka.stadtwiki.net).
Location and Visiting Hours
- Address: Kriegsstraße 192, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Nearest Intersection: Kriegsstraße and Reinhold-Frank-Straße
- District: Innenstadt-West
The Stolperstein is embedded in the public sidewalk at the entrance of Kriegsstraße 192, easily accessible by foot, bicycle, or Karlsruhe’s efficient public transport system (Karlsruhe Tourismus). There are no formal opening hours or ticket requirements; the memorial is accessible 24/7, free of charge.
Visitor Experience and Etiquette
How to Visit:
- Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription and honor Seeligmann’s memory. Kneeling or bowing to read the plaque closely is considered a respectful gesture.
- Photography: Discreet photography is permitted—consider capturing the brass plaque against the historic architecture of the area.
- Tokens of Remembrance: It is customary to place small stones or flowers beside the Stolperstein as a sign of respect.
- Cleaning Tradition: Local volunteers often polish Stolpersteine. Visitors are welcome to use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner for this purpose (RK Karlsruhe).
Guided Tours:
Local cultural organizations and schools, such as the Förderverein Karlsruher Stadtgeschichte e.V. and the Kant-Gymnasium, offer guided tours and educational programs about Karlsruhe’s Stolpersteine (stolpersteine-karlsruhe.jimdofree.com).
Accessibility and Travel Tips
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement and accessible for wheelchair users.
- Public Transport: The nearest tram and bus stops are within a short walk. Check Karlsruhe’s transit planner for routes.
- Comfortable Footwear: Recommended for those exploring multiple sites in the area.
- Safety: Daytime visits are recommended for full appreciation and safety.
Community Engagement and Educational Value
The Stolperstein project in Karlsruhe is maintained by active civic groups, with broad participation from local schools and descendants of victims. Installation ceremonies are significant community events, often involving family members from around the world (ka-news.de).
Students play a vital role in researching biographies, participating in ceremonies, and maintaining the stones, ensuring that remembrance remains a living, evolving practice (stolpersteine-karlsruhe.jimdofree.com).
Nearby Attractions and Further Exploration
- Karlsruhe Synagogue: A site highlighting the city’s Jewish heritage.
- Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe: An online memorial listing local Holocaust victims (gedenkbuch.karlsruhe.de).
- Other Stolpersteine: The neighborhood features several Stolpersteine for other victims, such as Rosalie Seeligmann, Ferdinand and Adele Rieser, and Alfred Wilhelm and Lilli Behr (ka.stadtwiki.net).
- Marktplatz Karlsruhe: The city’s historic market square and cultural hub.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Stolperstein?
A Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) is a small brass plaque embedded in the pavement to commemorate a victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence.
Where is the Arnold Seeligmann Stolperstein located?
It is at Kriegsstraße 192, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany, near Reinhold-Frank-Straße.
Is there an admission fee or visiting hours?
No, the Stolperstein is freely accessible in a public space at all times.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, local organizations and schools offer tours and educational programs relating to Stolpersteine.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Stolperstein is flush with the sidewalk and accessible for wheelchair users.
Can I participate in maintaining the Stolperstein?
Yes, visitors are welcome to help clean the plaque as a sign of respect.
Call to Action
Visiting the Stolperstein for Arnold Seeligmann offers a powerful, personal connection to Karlsruhe’s Jewish history and the wider legacy of the Holocaust. To deepen your understanding, consider joining guided tours, exploring related heritage sites, or participating in local commemorative events.
For an enhanced experience, download the Audiala app for interactive audio guides, maps, and updates on Stolpersteine and other historical sites. Stay connected via social media for announcements about tours, ceremonies, and educational programs.
Plan your visit today and honor the memory of Arnold Seeligmann as part of a living, collective act of remembrance.
References
- Stolpersteine: The Art Memorial
- Stolpersteine Karlsruhe – Official Guide
- Stolpersteine Kriegsstraße 192 – Stadtwiki
- Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe – Arnold Seeligmann
- Stolpersteine Karlsruhe – Förderverein
- Karlsruhe Tourismus – Events and Visits
- Rheinische Post – Stolpersteine in Germany
- Stolpersteine.eu – Facts and Figures
- Folklife Magazine – Stumbling Stones
- Wikipedia – Stolperstein