
Stolperstein Frieda Jaffé Stuttgart: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Frieda Jaffé in Stuttgart, Germany, offers a deeply moving way to connect with the city’s past and to honor the memory of individuals affected by Nazi persecution. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques set into sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of Holocaust victims. These decentralized memorials, conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, now form the world’s largest Holocaust memorial, with more than 100,000 stones installed across Europe (stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia).
The Frieda Jaffé Stolperstein, located at Weimarstraße 31 in Stuttgart-West, commemorates Frieda and her family, marking the place where they lived before their deportation during the Holocaust. This guide provides comprehensive insights into the history and significance of this Stolperstein, along with practical information on visiting, accessibility, and related remembrance activities in Stuttgart.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Origin and Significance of Stolpersteine
- The Jaffé Family and Their Story
- Visiting the Frieda Jaffé Stolperstein
- Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives
- Nearby Attractions and Related Historical Sites
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Resources and Further Engagement
- Conclusion
The Origin and Significance of Stolpersteine
Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) originated from Gunter Demnig’s vision to create a decentralized, personal form of remembrance. Rather than a single monument, these brass-plated cobblestones are placed in front of victims’ last freely chosen residences or workplaces, embedding memory directly into the urban landscape. Each stone is engraved with the name, date of birth, fate, and, when known, the date and place of death of the individual (pragueviews.com; stolpersteine.eu).
The design encourages passersby to pause and reflect, with the act of reading the plaque requiring a symbolic bow of the head. The project’s name also reclaims and subverts a former antisemitic phrase, transforming it into a tool for reflection and remembrance (Wikipedia). Today, Stolpersteine memorialize not only Jewish victims but also Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others persecuted by the Nazi regime (Folklife Magazine).
The Jaffé Family and Their Story
The Jaffé family—Jakob, Frieda, Hans, and Hertha—were part of a vibrant Jewish community in Stuttgart. Following the Nazi rise to power, they, like many other Jewish families, suffered persecution, culminating in deportation and murder during the Holocaust. Their story is emblematic of the broader tragedy faced by Stuttgart’s Jewish residents and is preserved in the city’s collective memory through the Stolperstein initiative (stolpersteine-stuttgart.de; Stuttgarter Nachrichten).
Visiting the Frieda Jaffé Stolperstein
Location and Accessibility
The Frieda Jaffé Stolperstein is placed in Stuttgart-West, at Weimarstraße 31, outside the family’s last freely chosen home (stolpersteine-stuttgart.de). The site is easily accessible by public transportation—S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations are nearby, and walking or cycling is recommended for exploring the district. The stone is set flush with the pavement, making it accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility aids, though some sidewalks may be uneven due to the historic character of the neighborhood.
Interactive Map to Locate the Frieda Jaffé Stolperstein
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
The Stolperstein is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no ticket required. As an outdoor public memorial, anyone can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for visibility and safety.
Visiting Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
Visitors are encouraged to approach the Stolperstein respectfully. It is customary to pause, read the inscription, and reflect quietly. Placing a small stone or flower is a traditional Jewish gesture of remembrance. Photography is permitted, but please be mindful not to block the sidewalk or disturb residents. If you wish to clean the stone, use a soft cloth and water—community cleaning is a valued part of ongoing remembrance efforts.
Guided Tours and Educational Programs
Several organizations in Stuttgart offer guided tours that include the Frieda Jaffé Stolperstein. These tours provide in-depth historical context and personal narratives. Group visits and educational programs can be arranged through the Stolperstein-Initiative Stuttgart-West. Advance booking is recommended.
Visual Media and Photography
High-quality images and interactive maps are available on the official Stolpersteine Stuttgart website. Photography for personal use is welcomed; sharing images on social media helps raise awareness, provided the context remains respectful.
Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives
The Stolpersteine project in Stuttgart is deeply rooted in community participation. Local schools research biographies, sponsor stones, and organize exhibitions, fostering intergenerational dialogue and empathy. Annual cleaning events and commemorations on dates such as International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht anniversary (November 9) are open to the public, reinforcing the city’s vibrant remembrance culture (Folklife Magazine; Stuttgarter Nachrichten).
Nearby Attractions and Related Historical Sites
While visiting the Frieda Jaffé Stolperstein, you may also wish to explore:
- Other Jaffé Family Stolpersteine: Stones for Hans, Hertha, and Jakob Jaffé are nearby (Mapcarta).
- Jewish Museum Stuttgart: Offers exhibitions on Jewish life and history.
- Hotel Silber: A former Gestapo headquarters, now a memorial and learning center (Hotel Silber).
- StolperKunst: Artistic projects and installations inspired by the Stolpersteine project (StolperKunst).
Stuttgart-West itself is a vibrant district with historic architecture, cafés, and shops—perfect for contemplative walks and further exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the Frieda Jaffé Stolperstein located?
It is embedded in the sidewalk at Weimarstraße 31, Stuttgart-West. Use the interactive map for exact directions.
What are the visiting hours?
The memorial is accessible 24/7, year-round.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, visiting the Stolperstein is free.
How do I get there by public transport?
Stuttgart-West is well-served by S-Bahn and U-Bahn; several stations are within walking distance.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, arrange tours and educational programs through the Stolperstein-Initiative Stuttgart-West.
Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the stone is set in the sidewalk, though some street surfaces may be uneven.
Resources for Further Engagement
- Stolpersteine Stuttgart Biographies
- Stolperstein-Initiative Stuttgart-West Contact
- Hotel Silber Memorial Center
- StolperKunst Project
- “Gedenkworte” Podcast
- frage-zeichen.org Educational Materials
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected
Plan your visit to the Frieda Jaffé Stolperstein and contribute to Stuttgart’s living remembrance culture. Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and historical content, and follow local initiatives for news of new Stolpersteine, events, and educational programs. By visiting and engaging respectfully, you help ensure that the lessons of history remain alive.
Conclusion
The Stolperstein dedicated to Frieda Jaffé stands as a powerful testament to individual memory within the broader landscape of Holocaust remembrance in Stuttgart and beyond. Embedded unobtrusively in the city’s fabric, these memorials invite all who pass by to pause, reflect, and honor the lives lost to Nazi persecution. Community-driven initiatives, educational projects, and ongoing events ensure that the memory of victims like Frieda Jaffé endures. Engaging with these memorials—whether through a quiet visit, a guided tour, or participation in commemorative activities—helps promote vigilance, empathy, and a more just future.
Sources and Official Links
- Stolpersteine Project, 2023, Official Website
- Stolpersteine Stuttgart Initiative, 2023, Biographies and Memorials
- Wikipedia, 2023, Stolperstein
- Prague Views, 2023, Stolpersteine Overview
- Stuttgarter Zeitung, 2023, Stolpersteine in Stuttgart
- Stuttgarter Nachrichten, 2023, Stolperstein Educational Initiatives
- Folklife Magazine, 2023, Stumbling Stones: Holocaust Memorials
- Stuttgart Tourist Information, 2023, Visitor Resources