Stolperstein Gertrud Marx Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide
Date: 03/07/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Gertrud Marx in Karlsruhe stands as a powerful symbol of resistance, survival, and remembrance. As part of the broader Stolpersteine initiative—conceived by artist Gunter Demnig—these “stumbling stones” are small brass plaques embedded into the sidewalks of European cities, each commemorating an individual victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence. The project transforms abstract history into personal memory and ensures that names like Gertrud Marx are never forgotten, integrating remembrance into the heart of everyday life (Stolpersteine.eu).
This guide offers detailed information about the Stolperstein for Gertrud Marx in Karlsruhe, including historical background, visiting tips, accessibility, location, and ways to deepen your engagement with the city’s living memory culture.
Who Was Gertrud Marx?
Gertrud Marx (née Gessinger, 1904–1989) was a German resistance fighter, survivor of Nazi persecution, and postwar public servant. Born in Berlin, she became politically active in the 1920s, joining the Socialist Workers Youth and the Social Democratic Party. Alongside her husband, Karl Marx, she engaged in anti-fascist activities, which led to her imprisonment in the Moringen and Ravensbrück concentration camps. After the war, Gertrud Marx continued her advocacy by joining the Communist Party, serving as a mayor, and contributing to organizations dedicated to remembrance, such as the Vereinigung der Verfolgten des Naziregimes (Wikipedia: Gertrud Marx).
The Stolpersteine Project: Purpose and Impact
Origins and Mission
Founded in 1992 by Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 plaques installed across Europe as of 2025 (Stolpersteine.eu). Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass plate inscribed with the victim’s name, birthdate, fate, and—when known—details of their persecution or murder.
Symbolism and Community Involvement
The term “Stolperstein” means “stumbling stone.” The intention is not to trip physically, but to prompt passersby to “stumble” upon the memory of someone who once lived there, encouraging reflection. Installation ceremonies often involve descendants, local schools, and community groups, fostering intergenerational dialogue and shared responsibility for remembrance (Stolpersteine.eu FAQ).
Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe has embraced the Stolpersteine initiative, with over 300 stones commemorating victims of Nazi persecution throughout the city (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe, Stolpersteine Karlsruhe Official Site). The stones are typically placed in front of the victims’ last freely chosen residences, integrating memory into the everyday urban landscape. Community-led cleaning initiatives, commemorative events, and educational programs ensure the stones remain visible and meaningful.
Location and Description of the Stolperstein for Gertrud Marx
As of July 2025, the specific address of the Stolperstein for Gertrud Marx in Karlsruhe is not widely published. Visitors are encouraged to consult the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date information. The stone itself is a 10x10 cm brass plaque set flush into the sidewalk, engraved with Gertrud Marx’s name, birth date, and fate. Its understated design encourages a close, personal engagement with history.
How to Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Practical Tips
- Visiting Hours: Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and are accessible at all times—there are no opening or closing hours.
- Tickets: No tickets or permits are required; visits are always free.
- Finding the Stolperstein: Use the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe online map or inquire at the local tourist information center.
- Public Transport: Karlsruhe’s tram and bus network makes sites easy to reach. For example, Herrenstraße, a street with multiple Stolpersteine, is served by several tram lines and is close to public parking.
- Accessibility: Stolpersteine are generally accessible for visitors with mobility impairments. Some locations may have uneven pavement or be in areas of heavy foot traffic.
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings and late afternoons offer a quieter, more reflective experience.
Visitor Etiquette and Community Involvement
- Reflection: Pause to read the inscription and reflect on the individual’s story.
- Respect: Placing a small stone or flower on the plaque is a customary sign of respect.
- Photography: Discreet photography is allowed; remember that many Stolpersteine are located in residential neighborhoods.
- Cleaning: Joining local cleaning initiatives or gently polishing a stone during your visit is a meaningful way to contribute to remembrance (RK Karlsruhe).
Guided Tours and Educational Resources
- Guided Tours: Available through the Karlsruhe city tourism office. Tours offer deeper context and personal stories.
- Self-Guided Visits: Interactive maps and digital guides are available on the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe website.
- Educational Programs: Schools and community organizations often develop projects and events around the Stolpersteine, fostering educational engagement.
Related Memorials and Sites
- Other Stolpersteine: Over 300 Stolpersteine are scattered across Karlsruhe, each telling a unique story (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe).
- Jewish Community Sites: The former synagogue at Herrenstraße 14 and the new synagogue on Knielinger Allee are significant landmarks.
- Karlsruhe Palace and Museum: Explore the city’s broader history, including the Nazi era.
- Memorials to Victims of Euthanasia: Special plaques and Stolpersteine commemorate those persecuted under the Nazi “euthanasia” program (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe).
Cultural and Educational Significance
Stolpersteine offer a uniquely personal encounter with the past, transforming city streets into spaces of remembrance. They personalize the Holocaust and Nazi persecution, inviting ongoing engagement and dialogue. In Karlsruhe, the stones are part of a living memory culture, supported by local organizations and embraced by residents and visitors alike (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Stolpersteine free to visit?
Yes, they are always accessible and free of charge.
Do I need tickets or permits?
No tickets or permits are required.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, through local organizations and the Karlsruhe city tourism office.
How can I find the Stolperstein for Gertrud Marx?
Consult the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe website or the city’s digital map.
Are the Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
Generally yes, though some locations may have uneven pavement.
Can I participate in cleaning or commemorative events?
Yes, local groups organize regular cleaning and remembrance ceremonies. Visitors are welcome to join or respectfully polish a stone during their visit.
Visuals and Media
Alt text: Stolpersteine memorial stones embedded in a sidewalk in Karlsruhe
For more images and interactive maps, visit the official Stolpersteine Karlsruhe website.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Gertrud Marx in Karlsruhe is more than a historical excursion—it’s an act of living remembrance. By pausing at these brass markers, you honor individual stories, foster community memory, and contribute to an ongoing dialogue about history, responsibility, and human rights.
To deepen your experience:
- Download the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe app for self-guided tours and biographies.
- Join a guided city walking tour to explore more stories.
- Participate in community cleaning or remembrance events.
- Explore related memorials and museums for a broader understanding of Karlsruhe’s past.
Your visit helps ensure that stories like Gertrud Marx’s remain a visible and vital part of our shared history.
