Stolperstein Dedicated to Marie Curjel.

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Marie Curjel in Karlsruhe is a poignant reminder of the individuals whose lives were devastated by the Nazi regime. As part of Europe’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, Stolpersteine—which translates to “stumbling stones”—are embedded in sidewalks, marking the last freely chosen residences of victims. Visiting Marie Curjel’s Stolperstein offers a powerful, personal engagement with history and the city’s ongoing commitment to remembrance. This guide provides comprehensive information on the memorial’s significance, practical visiting tips, accessibility, and connections to other sites of memory in Karlsruhe.

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Meaning

Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine Project was conceived to honor each victim of Nazi persecution at a personal level. Instead of centralized monuments, small brass plaques (10 x 10 cm) are embedded in the sidewalks in front of victims’ last chosen homes. Each plaque is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, deportation or death date. The act of bending down to read the inscription is a gesture of remembrance and respect (pragueviews.com).

Over 116,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in more than 1,870 communities across 31 countries, making this the world’s largest grassroots Holocaust memorial (stolpersteine.eu). The stones serve as daily reminders of the lives and stories that might otherwise be forgotten, transforming urban landscapes into spaces of memory (downfromorbit.com).

Stolpersteine in Karlsruhe: Locations and Significance

Karlsruhe, in Baden-Württemberg, is home to hundreds of Stolpersteine marking the last residences of Jewish citizens, Roma and Sinti, political dissidents, and other victims of the Nazi regime (denkmalprojekt.org). Each stone is carefully documented, with biographies and locations available through city projects and online platforms (commons.wikimedia.org). The city’s active engagement with the Stolpersteine initiative reflects a deep commitment to Holocaust education and remembrance.

Who Was Marie Curjel?

Marie Curjel (née Herrmann, 1872–1940) was a Jewish woman who converted to Protestantism but remained a target of Nazi persecution. Married to the architect Robert Curjel, she lived an active cultural life in Karlsruhe before facing discrimination, harassment, and isolation during the Nazi era. Ultimately, Marie Curjel died by suicide in 1940. Her Stolperstein not only memorializes her individual story but also symbolizes the broader suffering of Karlsruhe’s Jewish community (Stolpersteine Guide, Stadtwiki Karlsruhe).

The Marie Curjel Stolperstein: Location and Visiting Information

Location

• Address: Riefstahlstraße 4, Karlsruhe, Germany (Weststadt district)
• Historical context: The building was designed by the firm Curjel & Moser, with Robert Curjel (Marie’s husband) as one of the architects.

Visiting Hours and Admission

• Accessibility: The Stolperstein is located in a public sidewalk and is accessible 24/7, with no tickets or reservations required. The site is flush with the pavement, making it wheelchair accessible.
• Admission: Free of charge, as with all Stolpersteine.

Getting There

• Public Transport: Take the tram to “Mühlburger Tor,” then walk for around 5–10 minutes to Riefstahlstraße 4. Karlsruhe’s trams and buses offer accessible travel options.
• By Car: Limited street parking is available nearby; public transport is recommended due to limited parking during peak hours.
• Maps and Digital Tools: Use the Stolpersteine Guide or the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe app for interactive maps, biographies, and self-guided walking routes.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

• Wheelchair Access: The Stolperstein is embedded flush with the sidewalk and the surrounding area is generally accessible.
• Best Times to Visit: Daylight hours are preferable for reading inscriptions and for personal safety. Early mornings or late afternoons are quieter.
• What to Bring: Bring a map or smartphone for navigation, and consider a soft cloth if you wish to gently clean the plaque—a common gesture on remembrance days.
• Weather: The site is outdoors; dress appropriately for seasonal conditions.

Guided Tours, Events, and Nearby Sites

• Guided Tours: Local organizations and the city occasionally offer guided Stolpersteine tours, especially around commemorative dates such as January 27 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) and November 9 (Kristallnacht anniversary). Check with the Karlsruhe Jewish Museum or city remembrance culture for schedules.
• Nearby Memorials:
  • Mahnmal für die 1940 nach Gurs deportierten Jüdinnen und Juden (Sophienstraße 31)
  • Blue enamel plaques on historic buildings (e.g., Karlstraße 11)
  • Jewish Cemetery (Hauptfriedhof)
  • Holocaust memorials and steles throughout the city

Visitor Etiquette and Community Involvement

• Reflection: Pause to read the inscription and reflect on Marie Curjel’s life and fate.
• Photography: Discreet photos are permitted; avoid obstructing the sidewalk or invading residents’ privacy.
• Tributes: It is respectful to place a small stone or flower on the plaque, following Jewish tradition.
• Cleaning: Gently cleaning the plaque with water and a soft cloth is a valued tradition, especially on remembrance days.
• Community Efforts: Join local volunteers for cleaning events or commemorative ceremonies. Participating helps keep the memory alive (pragueviews.com).

FAQ

Is there an admission fee or ticket required?
No. Stolpersteine are public memorials, accessible free of charge at all times.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Guided Stolpersteine and remembrance tours are offered by local organizations, especially on commemorative dates.

How do I find the Stolperstein for Marie Curjel?
Use the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe app, digital maps, or the Stolpersteine Guide for precise locations.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Yes; the Stolperstein is set flush in the sidewalk and the surrounding area is generally accessible.

What is the best time to visit?
Any time, but daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility.