Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Franziska Klein in Karlsruhe, Germany on Karlstr 92

Stolperstein Dedicated To Franziska Klein

Visiting Hours and Tickets for the Stolperstein Dedicated to Franziska Klein in Karlsruhe, Germany

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein commemorating Franziska Klein in Karlsruhe, Germany, offers a powerful opportunity to engage with the personal stories of those persecuted during the Holocaust. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques set into sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of victims, honoring Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, and others targeted by the Nazi regime. Conceived by artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, the Stolpersteine project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with more than 116,000 stones installed in over 1,800 municipalities across 31 European countries as of 2025. Karlsruhe alone is home to over 200 Stolpersteine, each a silent yet enduring reminder of the city’s lost citizens (stolpersteine.eu; tracesofwar.com).

This guide provides historical context, practical visitor information—including location, accessibility, and related attractions—and advice for engaging respectfully with the Stolperstein dedicated to Franziska Klein. It also explores the cultural significance of these memorials and the role of community involvement in their maintenance and commemoration.

Introduction
Origins and Development of the Stolpersteine Project
Expansion and Scale
Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Locations and Significance
Visiting Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Practical Information
Symbolism and Cultural Importance
Community Involvement and Commemoration
Controversies and Debates
The Stolperstein for Franziska Klein: A Closer Look
Educational Value and Visitor Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected
Summary and Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Origins and Development of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s as a grassroots memorial to victims of the Nazi regime. The first Stolperstein was installed in Cologne in 1996, commemorating the anniversary of Heinrich Himmler’s Auschwitz Decree (fabriziomusacchio.com; LBI.org). Each Stolperstein is hand-engraved with the individual’s name, date of birth, fate, and, when known, the date and place of death, restoring identity and dignity to those whose lives were erased.

These brass plaques are embedded at the last freely chosen residence of each victim, countering the anonymity of mass murder and embedding memory into the daily life of the community (stolpersteine.eu).

Expansion and Scale

Since its inception, the Stolpersteine project has expanded rapidly. As of 2024, over 116,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in more than 1,860 municipalities across 31 countries (stolpersteine.eu). The project continues to grow, with approximately 6,000 new stones added each year. Funding is provided through sponsorships by individuals, families, or organizations, typically at a cost of €120 per stone (folklife.si.edu).

Stolpersteine are now found in Austria, the Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, and many other countries, reflecting the transnational impact of the Holocaust.

Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Locations and Significance

Karlsruhe, located in Baden-Württemberg, has installed over 200 Stolpersteine throughout its city center and districts (denkmalprojekt.org; karlsruhe.de). These stones commemorate not only Jewish victims but also Sinti and Roma and political dissidents.

A notable Stolperstein is dedicated to Franziska Klein at Karlstraße 92, alongside one for Sigmund Klein, marking the family’s last residence before their deportation and murder (tracesofwar.com).

Visiting Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Practical Information

Location and Hours

Address: Karlstraße 92, 76137 Karlsruhe
Access: The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk and accessible 24/7. No tickets or reservations are required.
Directions: The site is centrally located and easily reached by public transportation. Use Mapcarta or the Stolpersteine Guide app for navigation.

Accessibility

The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement, generally accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. Please be mindful of uneven sidewalks.

Guided Tours and Events

Local museums and memorial organizations offer guided tours featuring Stolpersteine and other Holocaust-related sites. Tours are often available in several languages and can be booked in advance, especially during peak seasons and on commemorative dates.

Nearby Attractions

Karlsruhe Palace
Jewish Museum Karlsruhe
State Museum of Baden
Karlsruhe Synagogue Memorial
Other Stolpersteine installations around the city

Combining a visit to Franziska Klein’s Stolperstein with these sites provides a fuller understanding of Karlsruhe’s history (bnn.de).

Symbolism and Cultural Importance

Stolpersteine are not just memorials; they are part of the urban landscape, encountered during everyday activities. The act of pausing to read a name transforms an ordinary street into a place of memory, prompting reflection on the lives lost and the dangers of intolerance (germany.info; folklife.si.edu). The physical act of stooping to read the stone’s inscription is itself a gesture of respect.

Community Involvement and Commemoration

The Stolpersteine project thrives on community participation. Installations are often accompanied by public ceremonies attended by local residents, descendants, schools, and officials. Maintenance is largely volunteer-driven, with cleanings organized on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and the anniversary of Kristallnacht (November 9) (folklife.si.edu).

Research and sponsorship of new stones are frequently undertaken by local organizations, residents, and school groups, reinforcing the project’s grassroots character.

Controversies and Debates

Though widely adopted, the Stolpersteine project is not without criticism. Some, particularly in Munich, object to placing memorials in the pavement, seeing it as disrespectful for names to be trodden upon (folklife.si.edu). Proponents argue that embedding memory in daily life is essential for ongoing remembrance and dialogue (fabriziomusacchio.com).

The Stolperstein for Franziska Klein: A Closer Look

The Stolperstein for Franziska Klein at Karlstraße 92 is emblematic of the project’s mission. Its inscription marks her last freely chosen address and records her fate, transforming a statistic into a personal memory (ka.stadtwiki.net). A companion stone for Sigmund Klein stands nearby.

For visitors, the stone invites a pause for reflection and remembrance, connecting the tragedy of the Holocaust to a specific place and person.

Alt text: Brass Stolperstein embedded in sidewalk with inscription for Franziska Klein at Karlstraße 92, Karlsruhe.

Educational Value and Visitor Engagement

Stolpersteine have become focal points for public education and commemoration. In Karlsruhe, schools and community groups conduct research, organize ceremonies, and maintain the stones, fostering intergenerational dialogue and awareness (karlsruhe-erleben.de). Digital resources like the Stolpersteine Guide app and online databases enhance accessibility and engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate victims of the Nazi regime at their last freely chosen residence.

Where is the Stolperstein for Franziska Klein located?
Karlstraße 92, Karlsruhe.

Are there visiting hours or a fee?
The stone is accessible at all times and free to visit.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, local organizations and museums offer tours. Check Stolpersteine Karlsruhe or the city tourism office for schedules.

Can I take photographs?
Photography is encouraged for educational and commemorative purposes; please be respectful.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Download the Stolpersteine Guide app for maps and biographies.
Follow local heritage organizations for event updates and educational resources.
Engage with the community by joining cleaning events or sponsoring new stones.
Share your visit on social media to promote remembrance and dialogue.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

The Stolperstein for Franziska Klein is a poignant symbol of remembrance, integrating personal memory into Karlsruhe’s urban landscape. As part of a city-wide and European network of stones, it invites reflection, education, and community participation. Visitors are encouraged to approach with respect, engage with available resources and tours, and contribute to the ongoing act of remembrance.

By visiting and learning about the Stolperstein for Franziska Klein, you help uphold the values of dignity, inclusion, and historical awareness—ensuring that the stories of victims are not forgotten, but remain part of our living memory (folklife.si.edu; pebblegalaxy.blog).