Stolperstein Dedicated To Max Hofmann

Stolperstein Max Hofmann Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Max Hofmann in Karlsruhe is a powerful and intimate memorial embedded in the very fabric of the city. As part of artist Gunter Demnig’s world-renowned Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, this brass plaque marks the last freely chosen residence of Max Hofmann—a member of the Jewish community who suffered under Nazi persecution. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the memorial’s history, cultural relevance, practical visitor information, and community involvement, helping you plan a respectful and meaningful visit.

For further context and practical resources, visit the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe website and the official Stolpersteine project page.

Historical Background of Max Hofmann and the Stolperstein Project
Significance and Commemoration
Location, Accessibility, Visiting Hours & Tickets
Practical Visitor Tips
Cultural and Educational Context
Preservation and Community Involvement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Summary and Final Tips
References and Further Reading

Historical Background of Max Hofmann and the Stolperstein Project

The Stolpersteine project, founded by Gunter Demnig in 1992, is the world’s largest decentralized memorial dedicated to victims of the Nazi regime (Germany.info). Each Stolperstein is a small brass plaque set into the pavement at the last freely chosen residence or workplace of a victim. The plaque bears the person’s name, date of birth, fate, and—if known—the date and place of death.

Max Hofmann and his family lived at Markgrafenstraße 34, near Lidellplatz in Karlsruhe, where they operated a kosher butcher shop until 1938 (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe). On May 29, 2009, Stolpersteine were laid at this address to commemorate Max and his relatives. The Stolperstein project in Karlsruhe began in 2005, and as of 2016, over 269 stones had been installed across the city (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe).

Significance and Commemoration

Stolpersteine like the one for Max Hofmann transform abstract Holocaust statistics into personal encounters. By embedding memorials at the exact locations where victims lived, the project personalizes remembrance and integrates memory into daily urban life (Stolpersteine.eu). The act of “stumbling” is metaphorical—pedestrians pause, read the name, and momentarily bring the memory of the victim back to life, echoing the Talmudic principle: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.”

The Stolperstein for Max Hofmann is part of a cluster commemorating the entire Hofmann family, illustrating the scale of familial and communal loss during the Holocaust.

Location, Accessibility, Visiting Hours & Tickets

Address:
Markgrafenstraße 34, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany (near Lidellplatz)

How to Get There:

Public Transport: Nearest tram stops are “Marktplatz” and “Europaplatz,” both within a 10-minute walk.
By Car: Parking is available in nearby public garages.

Accessibility:
The Stolperstein is installed in the sidewalk at street level and is accessible to visitors with mobility impairments.

Visiting Hours:
Open 24/7, year-round.

Tickets:
No tickets or reservations required; visiting is free of charge.

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter moments for reflection.
What to Bring: A small cloth can be used to polish the brass plaque—a traditional gesture of remembrance. Flowers or small stones may be left as a sign of respect (BNN.de).
Etiquette: Please maintain a respectful silence and avoid disruptive behavior. Reading the inscription aloud or pausing for a moment of reflection is encouraged.
Guided Tours: Local organizations and the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe website offer guided Stolperstein walks. For self-guided exploration, use the Stolpersteine Guide app.

Cultural and Educational Context

The Stolperstein project is woven into Karlsruhe’s remembrance culture. Local schools, religious groups, and civic organizations regularly organize cleaning and commemorative events, ensuring that each stone—and the life it represents—remains in public consciousness (BNN.de). Educational programs often include reading biographies and reflecting on the Holocaust’s impact on local history.

By placing memorials in everyday spaces, the Stolpersteine challenge residents and visitors to carry the lessons of the past into the present, fostering vigilance against intolerance and discrimination (Germany.info).

Preservation and Community Involvement

Preserving the Stolpersteine is a community responsibility. Volunteers and organizations like the Förderverein Karlsruher Stadtgeschichte e.V. coordinate regular cleaning campaigns and educational activities (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe). These efforts ensure that the stones remain legible and dignified, and that the stories behind them continue to be shared across generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Stolperstein for Max Hofmann?
A: The site is accessible 24/7 with no restrictions.

Q: Is there an admission fee or ticket required?
A: No, visiting the Stolperstein is free and open to all.

Q: How do I reach the site by public transport?
A: Use tram stops “Marktplatz” or “Europaplatz”; both are within a 10-minute walk.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours are offered by local organizations and through the Stolpersteine Guide app.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, photography is permitted. Please be respectful and avoid disrupting other visitors.

Conclusion

The Stolperstein for Max Hofmann in Karlsruhe is a poignant, living memorial that brings the realities of the Holocaust into the heart of the city. By visiting, reflecting, or participating in community preservation efforts, you help honor the memory of Max Hofmann and countless others whose lives were forever changed by the Nazi regime. Use this guide to plan a thoughtful visit and deepen your engagement with Karlsruhe’s rich historical tapestry.

Explore more with digital resources like the Stolpersteine Guide app, and consider joining local educational events to further your understanding. Your participation helps keep memory alive and reinforces a collective commitment to human dignity and justice.

Summary and Final Tips for Visiting the Stolperstein

The Stolperstein for Max Hofmann stands as a deeply moving symbol of remembrance, restoring individuality to a life disrupted by the Holocaust. Integrated into daily city life, the stone compels visitors to reflect on memory, empathy, and the responsibilities of collective remembrance. Community efforts ensure that these stories remain visible and relevant, engaging people across generations. Enrich your visit by joining guided walks, using apps like Audiala for interactive tours, and exploring nearby cultural landmarks such as the Karlsruhe Synagogue and Badisches Landesmuseum. By engaging with the Stolperstein, you honor not only Max Hofmann but also the broader ideals of memory, justice, and human rights.