Stolperstein Dedicated To Henriette Marx

Stolperstein Henriette Marx Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Henriette Marx in Karlsruhe is more than just a memorial; it is a powerful and intimate connection to the lives interrupted by National Socialism. These “stumbling stones” are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe, each commemorating a victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence. The Stolpersteine project, initiated by Gunter Demnig in 1992, has grown into the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 100,000 stones installed in more than 26 countries as of 2025 (Stolpersteine Official Website; Wikipedia).

Henriette Marx’s Stolperstein is part of Karlsruhe’s vibrant culture of remembrance. This guide provides detailed information about the memorial’s historical context, precise location, visiting hours, accessibility, and visitor etiquette. You’ll also discover the cultural significance of Stolpersteine, upcoming events, and tips for enriching your visit to Karlsruhe. Whether your interest is in Holocaust history, cultural heritage, or reflective memorial tourism, this article will help you plan your visit thoughtfully and respectfully (Culture Tourist; Smithsonian Folklife Magazine).

Introduction
Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project
Henriette Marx: Life and Historical Context
Stolperstein Henriette Marx: Location and Description
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Guided Tours, Events, and Visitor Etiquette
Nearby Historical Sites in Karlsruhe
Community Engagement and Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
Sources and Official Links

Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project began in 1992 when German artist Gunter Demnig sought to commemorate Holocaust victims at the places where they lived before persecution. Each Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube topped with a brass plate engraved with the victim’s name, birthdate, fate, and, if known, the place and date of death (Stolpersteine Official Website; Wikipedia).

Originally focused on Jewish victims, the project quickly expanded to include Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, Jehovah’s Witnesses, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others persecuted by the Nazis. The stones are installed flush with the pavement, typically in front of the victim’s last freely chosen address. The phrase “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”) personalizes each memorial and embeds memory within daily life (Stolpersteine Official Website).

Karlsruhe has embraced this project since 2005, with nearly 300 Stolpersteine installed throughout the city by 2025. The initiative is community-driven, involving local researchers, students, and descendants in identifying victims and organizing installations (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe).

Henriette Marx: Life and Historical Context

Henriette Marx (née Presburg, also spelled Pressburg or Preßburg) was born in 1788 in Nijmegen, Netherlands, and belonged to a prominent Jewish family. She was related to influential figures such as poet Heinrich Heine and the founders of Philips Electronics. In 1814, she married Heinrich Marx and settled in Trier, Prussia, where she raised her family, including her son Karl Marx. Henriette converted to Lutheranism in the 1820s, reflecting the pressures faced by Jewish families in 19th-century Germany (WikiTree).

While Henriette herself died in Trier in 1863, the Stolperstein in Karlsruhe acknowledges her broader family’s ties to the city and the Jewish community’s fate under National Socialism (WikiTree). The stone stands as a testament to her life and to the cultural and historical losses suffered during the Holocaust.

Stolperstein Henriette Marx: Location and Description

The Stolperstein for Henriette Marx is located in central Karlsruhe, embedded in the sidewalk near her family’s last known residence or a site of significance to her story. Karlsruhe’s Stolpersteine are mapped and catalogued by local authorities; visitors can use the Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe interactive map or consult the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe Project website for the specific address (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe).

Each Stolperstein is inscribed with the name, birthdate, and fate of the individual, inviting passersby to literally and figuratively “stumble upon” history and reflect on its meaning (Smithsonian Folklife Magazine).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Hours and Tickets

Open Access: Stolpersteine are installed in public sidewalks and can be visited at any time, day or night.
Free Admission: No tickets, reservations, or fees are required.

Accessibility

General Access: Most Stolpersteine are in pedestrian areas accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. However, some streets may have uneven pavement; check local maps or contact the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Office for details.
Public Transport: Karlsruhe’s efficient tram and bus networks serve the city center and Stolpersteine locations.
Parking: Public parking is available nearby for those arriving by car (Culture Tourist).

Guided Tours, Events, and Visitor Etiquette

Guided Tours

Walking Tours: Local organizations and the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Office offer guided tours that include Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage sites. Tours are available in German and English; check schedules on the Karlsruhe event calendar.
Self-Guided Visits: Use interactive maps and mobile apps like Audiala for audio guides and historical context.

Special Events

Commemorative Days: On Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and the anniversary of Kristallnacht (November 9), community-led cleaning and remembrance ceremonies often take place at Stolpersteine (pragueviews.com).
Educational Programs: Schools, civic groups, and descendants regularly participate in installations and maintenance, fostering public dialogue and education.

Visitor Etiquette

Respectful Reflection: Pause to read the inscription and reflect. Bending down is a symbolic gesture of respect.
Commemorative Acts: It is customary to leave a small stone or flower on the plaque.
Photography: Discreet photography is permitted; please be mindful of the memorial’s solemn nature and its location in residential neighborhoods.
Do Not Stand on Stones: Avoid stepping directly on the Stolperstein.

Nearby Historical Sites in Karlsruhe

Enhance your visit by exploring these nearby attractions:

Karlsruhe Palace: Explore regional history and the city’s development.
Jewish Museum Karlsruhe: Learn about Jewish heritage and the community’s history.
Other Stolpersteine: Karlsruhe hosts hundreds of Stolpersteine commemorating victims from diverse backgrounds (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe Project).

Community Engagement and Maintenance

The Stolpersteine project in Karlsruhe is sustained through civic engagement. Local organizations, such as the Förderverein Karlsruher Stadtgeschichte e.V., coordinate research, installations, and public events. Community members, schools, and volunteers participate in cleaning campaigns and educational activities, ensuring that the stones remain visible and meaningful (Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe; BNN Karlsruhe).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Stolperstein for Henriette Marx located?
It is centrally located in Karlsruhe; the Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe interactive map provides the precise address.

Do I need tickets or reservations?
No, Stolpersteine are always accessible and free to visit.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are offered by local organizations and tourist offices. Self-guided options are available via mobile apps.

Are Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
Most are, but some sidewalks may be uneven.

Can I participate in commemorative events?
Yes, especially on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and Kristallnacht anniversary. Check local event calendars for details.

Summary and Recommendations

The Stolperstein for Henriette Marx in Karlsruhe embodies the Stolpersteine project’s mission: to personalize Holocaust remembrance and embed memory in everyday urban life. Accessible at all times and free of charge, the memorial invites meaningful reflection and participation in a living culture of remembrance. By joining guided tours, attending commemorative events, or simply pausing to read the inscription, visitors become part of an ongoing commitment to “never forget” (Stolpersteine Official Website; Smithsonian Folklife Magazine; Stadtgeschichte Karlsruhe).

Plan your visit using the official interactive maps, consider participating in community events, and take time to explore Karlsruhe’s other historical and cultural sites. For enhanced experience, download the Audiala app or consult the Karlsruhe Tourist Information.