Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Leopold Kullmann in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Leopold Kullmann (Wohnort)

Stolperstein Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide in Karlsruhe, Germany

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Leopold Kullmann in Karlsruhe, Germany, offers a powerful and intimate way to engage with the city’s history and commemorate the victims of Nazi persecution. Stolpersteine—German for “stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques embedded into sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of Holocaust victims. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project has become the world’s largest decentralized memorial, transforming public spaces into sites of remembrance and reflection (stolpersteine.eu).

This guide provides detailed information on the Stolperstein for Leopold Kullmann in Karlsruhe, including historical context, visitor information, accessibility, etiquette, and supplementary resources to enrich your experience.

Introduction
Leopold Kullmann: Historical Context
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose
Visiting the Leopold Kullmann Stolperstein
Community Impact and Cultural Reflections
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References and Further Resources

Leopold Kullmann: Historical Context

Dr. Leopold Kullmann (1877–1941) was a prominent lawyer, judge, and Social Democratic politician in Karlsruhe. As a member of the Baden State Parliament (Landtag) and a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights and legal reform, Kullmann’s career and life were tragically disrupted by the rise of the Nazi regime. Stripped of his office in 1933 due to his Jewish heritage and political stance, Kullmann was deported to the Gurs internment camp in southern France in 1940, where he died the following year (SPD Karlsruhe; Traces of War).

The Stolperstein at Kriegsstraße 69, Karlsruhe, marks the last freely chosen residence of Dr. Kullmann and serves as a lasting tribute to his life, career, and the injustice he suffered under National Socialism.

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose

Stolpersteine are a decentralized memorial initiative launched by Gunter Demnig in 1992. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated cobblestone, inscribed with the name, birthdate, fate, and—where known—date and place of death of a victim of Nazi persecution (Wikipedia: Stolperstein). The project’s goal is to return names and stories to the public sphere, countering the erasure of individuality by the Nazi regime.

As of 2024, over 107,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in nearly 1,900 municipalities across Europe (stolpersteine.eu). The project honors not just Jewish victims, but also Roma and Sinti, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, political dissidents, and others targeted by the Nazis. By embedding memory in the everyday landscape, the Stolpersteine initiative democratizes remembrance and invites ongoing community engagement (pebblegalaxy.blog).

Visiting the Leopold Kullmann Stolperstein

Location and Accessibility

Address: Kriegsstraße 69, Karlsruhe, Germany
Nearest Public Transport: The “Herrenstraße” stop (lines S1, S11, S2, S5, Tram 1, 3, 4) is about 60 meters away (Karlsruhe Kulturdenkmale).
Parking: Paid parking available at Herrenstraße BBB garage, approximately 60 meters from the Stolperstein.
On Foot: The site is within easy walking distance from Karlsruhe’s central Marktplatz.

Stolpersteine are installed at street level and are accessible to pedestrians, including those with mobility impairments. Most city pavements are wheelchair-friendly, though some older areas may have uneven surfaces.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Hours: Open 24/7. Stolpersteine are public memorials accessible at all times.
Admission: Free. No tickets or reservations are needed.

Visitor Etiquette

Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription and reflect on the victim’s story.
Respect the Site: Avoid stepping directly on the Stolperstein if possible.
Leave a Token: Placing a small stone or flower is a meaningful gesture.
Photography: Discreet photos are permitted. Be mindful of the residential surroundings.
Cleaning: On Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9), volunteers clean Stolpersteine. You may respectfully join these efforts with a soft cloth and gentle cleaner (Folklife Magazine).

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Guided Tours: Local historical societies and organizations such as the Förderverein Karlsruher Stadtgeschichte e.V. occasionally offer Stolperstein walking tours (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe).
Educational Programs: Schools and community groups often incorporate Stolpersteine visits into their curricula, fostering intergenerational dialogue and historical awareness.

For current information on tours and educational offerings, consult Karlsruhe’s tourism website or local visitor centers.

Community Impact and Cultural Reflections

The Stolpersteine project has transformed Holocaust remembrance by embedding memory in the fabric of daily life. In Karlsruhe, more than 200 Stolpersteine have been installed, each representing an individual victim and their unique story (Karlsruhe Stadtwiki). This decentralized approach makes history tangible and accessible, encouraging personal reflection and community dialogue.

While Stolpersteine are widely embraced, the project has also inspired debate, particularly regarding their placement at ground level. Some critics argue this may be disrespectful, while others see it as a necessary confrontation with difficult history (Folklife Magazine). The ongoing discussions highlight the evolving nature of public memory and the importance of continued engagement.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Other Stolpersteine: Explore additional Stolpersteine across Karlsruhe, each telling a different story.
Karlsruhe Palace: A major historical site featuring exhibitions on regional history.
Badisches Landesmuseum: Located in the palace, offering in-depth insights into local culture and history.
Stadtmuseum Karlsruhe: A museum focused on the city’s development and significant historical events.
Former Synagogue Site: Visit Herrenstraße 14, the former location of the city’s synagogue.

Travel Tips:

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploration.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking tours.
The city center is pedestrian-friendly and well-connected by public transport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there specific visiting hours for Stolpersteine?
A: No, Stolpersteine are accessible at any time, all year round.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, visiting Stolpersteine is free of charge.

Q: How do I get to the Stolperstein for Leopold Kullmann?
A: It is located at Kriegsstraße 69, near the Herrenstraße public transport stop.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local historical societies and the city occasionally offer guided Stolpersteine tours.

Q: Are Stolpersteine accessible to people with disabilities?
A: Generally yes, as they are set at street level. However, be mindful of sidewalk conditions.

Q: Can I participate in commemorative events or cleaning?
A: Yes, volunteers are welcome to join cleaning efforts and remembrance activities, especially on key commemorative dates.

References and Further Resources

Plan Your Visit

The Stolperstein dedicated to Leopold Kullmann is a moving and accessible site of remembrance, open to all without barriers. Engage deeply by learning about Kullmann’s life, joining guided tours, or participating in community commemorations. Complement your visit with stops at other Karlsruhe historical sites for a fuller understanding of the city’s rich and complex past.

For up-to-date information on tours and cultural events, download the Audiala app, explore local tourism resources, and follow relevant organizations on social media.