Stolperstein Dedicated to Paula Straus

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Paula Straus in Stuttgart is a powerful and personal memorial, connecting visitors to the tragic history of the Holocaust and the individual stories of its victims. Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small, brass plaques embedded in sidewalks throughout Europe to commemorate those persecuted by the Nazis at their last freely chosen homes. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 stones in 28 countries by 2025 (Stolpersteine Stuttgart). This guide details the history of the project, Paula Straus’s legacy, practical visitor information, and tips for a meaningful visit.

Origins and Significance of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project began in Cologne in 1992 when Gunter Demnig installed the first stones as a form of guerrilla memorialization. The idea quickly spread, resulting in a vast network of memorials across Europe. Each Stolperstein is engraved with the victim’s name, birth year, fate, and—if known—location and date of death (Stuttgarter Nachrichten).

The philosophy of the Stolpersteine centers on remembrance in everyday life. By placing each stone at the last self-chosen address of a victim, these memorials transform ordinary urban spaces into sites of memory, ensuring that individual stories remain part of the public consciousness. The motto, “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten,” encapsulates the project’s commitment to individual remembrance (Stolpersteine Stuttgart).

Paula Straus: Life, Work, and Holocaust Remembrance

Paula Straus (1894–1943) was a pioneering Jewish German gold- and silversmith and educator, recognized for her innovative designs and influential teaching career. Her work was exhibited internationally, and she held a teaching post at the State School of Arts and Crafts in Weimar, closely linked to the Bauhaus movement (Wikipedia: Paula Straus).

With the advent of Nazi rule, Straus was dismissed from her positions and forced to sell her property under duress. In 1942, she was deported to Theresienstadt and later murdered in Auschwitz. The Stolperstein commemorating her, installed at Gablenberger Hauptstraße 173 in Stuttgart, marks her last freely chosen residence and stands as a testament to the cultural and human losses inflicted by the Holocaust (Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Klara und Paula Straus).

Visiting the Paula Straus Stolperstein: Practical Information

Location

• Address: Gablenberger Hauptstraße 173, 70186 Stuttgart, Germany
• The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk at the former residence of Paula Straus and her mother, Klara Straus. The neighborhood is residential, with small shops and cafes nearby (Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Biografien).

Hours and Tickets

• Visiting Hours: The Stolperstein is outdoors and available for viewing at any time—there are no official hours or restrictions.
• Tickets: No ticket or fee is required; visits are always free.

Accessibility

• Public Transport:
  • U-Bahn: Nearest station is Ostendplatz (U4, U9), about a 10-minute walk from the site.
  • Bus: Bus lines 42 and 45 stop at Gablenberg, a short walk away.
• Car: Limited metered parking is available nearby, but public transit is recommended.
• On Foot/Bicycle: The area is pedestrian-friendly and bicycle-accessible.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The Stolperstein is embedded at street level, and the sidewalk is generally flat. Minor unevenness may be present, but the site is accessible for most visitors with mobility impairments (Stolperstein-Initiative Stuttgart-Ost).

What to Expect & Visiting Etiquette

• Appearance: The Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated cobblestone, inscribed with Paula Straus’s name, year of birth, deportation, and fate. The adjacent stone honors her mother, Klara.
• Atmosphere: Embedded in an ordinary sidewalk, the Stolperstein integrates remembrance into daily city life.
• Respectful Engagement: Pause and reflect; many visitors polish the stone with a soft cloth to keep it shining. Leaving a small stone or flower is a traditional gesture of respect (Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Erinnerung aufpolieren).
• Photography: Permitted, but please be mindful of local residents.

Cultural and Educational Significance

The Stolperstein for Paula Straus is not only a memorial for her tragic fate but also an emblem of the broader cultural loss caused by the Holocaust. By embedding these stones in everyday settings, the initiative ensures that remembrance remains an integral part of urban life and encourages ongoing reflection on the dangers of intolerance and the importance of civil courage (Stuttgarter Nachrichten).

Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest

• Other Stolpersteine: Explore additional Stolpersteine in Stuttgart for a broader view of the city’s Holocaust history (Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Mehr als eintausend Stuttgarter Stolpersteine).
• Hotel Silber: Former Gestapo headquarters and now a memorial and learning center (Hotel Silber).
• StadtPalais Stuttgart (City Museum): Exhibits on the city’s history, including Jewish life (StadtPalais Stuttgart).
• Cafés and Shops: The neighborhood offers local cafes and bakeries for a contemplative pause.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Paula Straus Stolperstein?
A: The Stolperstein is accessible at any time, year-round.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, visiting the Stolperstein is free.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the stone is embedded at street level, with generally flat sidewalks.

Q: Can I join a guided tour?
A: Yes, check with the Stolperstein-Initiative Stuttgart-Ost for availability.

Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Yes, but please be respectful of residents and other visitors.

Final Tips and Summary

The Stolperstein for Paula Straus at Gablenberger Hauptstraße 173 stands as a subtle but powerful reminder of individual lives lost to Nazi persecution. It is freely accessible, embedded in the flow of everyday life, and supported by ongoing community engagement and educational initiatives. Enhance your experience by joining a guided tour, attending commemorative events, or exploring related exhibitions.

By honoring Paula Straus’s memory and engaging with the Stolpersteine network, visitors help keep history alive and promote democratic values. For further exploration, consult interactive maps on the Stolpersteine Stuttgart website, download the Audiala app for guided tours, and follow related social channels for updates.