Stolperstein Dedicated To Betty Rosenfeld

Stolperstein Betty Rosenfeld Stuttgart: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Betty Rosenfeld in Stuttgart stands as a poignant, decentralized memorial within the city’s urban fabric, honoring both individual courage and collective memory. As part of the Stolpersteine Project—initiated by artist Gunter Demnig—these small brass plaques commemorate victims of Nazi persecution at the last address they freely chose. Betty Rosenfeld’s Stolperstein, located at Breitscheidstraße 35 in Stuttgart-West, immortalizes her legacy as a Jewish nurse, International Brigades volunteer, and anti-fascist activist murdered in Auschwitz in 1942. Visiting her Stolperstein provides a unique encounter with history, inviting reflection on themes of resistance, remembrance, and the ongoing importance of human dignity.

This comprehensive guide covers the history, significance, location, accessibility, and visitor experience of the Betty Rosenfeld Stolperstein. It also offers practical advice on transportation, cultural etiquette, and related sites, ensuring a respectful and enriching visit. By engaging with this living memorial, visitors contribute to honoring the memory of individuals like Betty Rosenfeld and to sustaining dialogue about justice and collective responsibility (Stolpersteine Stuttgart; Smithsonian Folklife Magazine; Betty Rosenfeld Memorial).

Introduction
Who Was Betty Rosenfeld?
The Stolpersteine Project: Significance and Scope
Location and Access
Cultural and Community Context
Visiting Etiquette and Practical Tips
FAQ
Conclusion & Further Resources

Who Was Betty Rosenfeld?

Betty Rosenfeld (1907–1942) was born into a Jewish middle-class family in Stuttgart. Trained as a nurse, she was committed to social justice, volunteering for the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War—a rare and courageous move, particularly for a woman from Stuttgart. After her return, she continued her resistance against National Socialism until her deportation and murder at Auschwitz in 1942. Her story reflects the resilience and moral courage of individuals who opposed fascism, and her Stolperstein brings this history into the everyday landscape of Stuttgart (Betty Rosenfeld Memorial).

The Stolpersteine Project: Significance and Scope

The Stolperstein Project, created by Gunter Demnig in 1992, is now the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Each Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) is a 10 x 10 cm brass plaque embedded in the sidewalk, engraved with the victim’s name, birth year, date of deportation, and fate. These memorials transform public spaces into sites of personal memory, encouraging passersby to reflect on the individuals who once lived there (stolpersteine.eu; pragueviews.com).

With over 116,000 stones installed across 31 European countries (as of 2025), including more than 1,000 in Stuttgart, the project commemorates Jews, Roma and Sinti, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others persecuted by the Nazis (Smithsonian Folklife Magazine; pebblegalaxy.blog). Each stone is handcrafted, ensuring a personal connection to each victim.

Location and Access

Exact Location

The Stolperstein for Betty Rosenfeld is set outside her former family home:

Address:
Breitscheidstraße 35, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany
(Formerly known as Militärstraße 35)
(Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Biografien)

The site is close to Bismarckplatz, a central square in Stuttgart-West, and near the Orthopädie Dieringer shop—a local landmark.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Open 24/7: The Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk and accessible at all times.
Admission: Free; no tickets are required.

Getting There

Public Transport:
- Tram lines 3 and 4 stop at Breitscheidstraße.
- The Bismarckplatz stop is a short walk away.
By Foot:
- The area is pedestrian-friendly and ideal for walking tours.
By Car:
- Limited street parking is available nearby, but public transport is recommended.

Accessibility

The Stolperstein is at street level, making it generally accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.
Some sidewalk segments may be uneven; visitors needing assistance should plan accordingly.

Cultural and Community Context

Memorial Groupings

Betty Rosenfeld’s Stolperstein is grouped with stones for her mother Theresia and sister Charlotte, who were also victims of Nazi persecution. The memorial is both a personal and communal site of remembrance (Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Biografien).

Community Participation

The Stolpersteine Project thrives on local engagement. Community members, families, historians, and civic groups often research biographies, sponsor stones, and organize installation ceremonies. In Stuttgart, initiatives like “Gegen das Vergessen: Stolpersteine für Stuttgart” offer tours, educational programs, and digital resources (stolpersteine-stuttgart.de; stolperkunst.de).

Preservation and Challenges

While widely embraced, Stolpersteine sometimes face vandalism. Community responses include regular cleaning events and public outreach, reinforcing the living nature of these memorials (stolpersteine-stuttgart.de).

Visiting Etiquette and Practical Tips

Pause and Reflect:
Take a moment to read the inscription and reflect on the individual’s life.
Signs of Respect:
Placing a small stone or flower is a traditional gesture of remembrance.
Photography:
Discreet photography is permitted; please respect the residential setting.
Events:
Annual commemorations, such as Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January), may include guided tours and ceremonies (Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Veranstaltungen).
Comfort:
Wear comfortable shoes; the area features cobblestones and uneven pavement.

FAQ

Q: What is a Stolperstein?
A: A Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) is a small brass plaque set in city sidewalks to commemorate a victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen address.

Q: Where is Betty Rosenfeld’s Stolperstein?
A: Breitscheidstraße 35, Stuttgart-West, near Bismarckplatz.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes. Local groups and initiatives regularly offer walking tours; check Stolpersteine Stuttgart and Hotel Silber for schedules.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: The stone is at street level, generally accessible, but check for possible uneven pavement.

Q: Are there other memorials nearby?
A: Yes. Stuttgart-West features numerous Stolpersteine and other sites of Jewish heritage and resistance.

Conclusion & Further Resources

Visiting the Stolperstein for Betty Rosenfeld offers a powerful, personal connection to Stuttgart’s history of resistance and remembrance. With 24/7 public access and no admission fee, the site invites all to honor the memory of Holocaust victims and reflect on lessons for the present. Engaging with the Stolpersteine Project—whether through individual visits, guided tours, or community events—helps preserve vital stories and fosters ongoing dialogue about justice and human dignity.

For further reading and event updates, consult the following resources:

Explore more about Stuttgart’s historical sites and Holocaust memorials to deepen your understanding and contribute to remembrance.