Stolperstein Dedicated To Emmy Meyer

Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Emmy Meyer in Wiesbaden, Germany: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Stolpersteine and the Commemoration of Emmy Meyer

The Stolperstein dedicated to Emmy Meyer in Wiesbaden, Germany, stands as a quiet yet powerful testimony to the lives disrupted and destroyed during the Holocaust. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques set into the sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime. Since their inception in 1992 by artist Gunter Demnig, Stolpersteine have become the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 116,000 stones laid across more than 1,860 municipalities in 31 countries as of 2024 (Stolpersteine.eu; BBC Travel).

In Wiesbaden, a city with a rich yet scarred Jewish heritage, Stolpersteine serve as daily reminders of individual fates such as that of Emmy Meyer. These memorials not only educate and inspire reflection but also foster ongoing community engagement and remembrance activities, often coordinated by local institutions like the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse (AMS Wiesbaden). This guide provides detailed visitor information, including accessibility, guided tours, and cultural context, to help you plan a meaningful and respectful visit.

Introduction
Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project
Symbolism and Artistic Vision
Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden: Local Context
The Story of Emmy Meyer
Visiting the Stolpersteine: Practical Information
Community Engagement and Remembrance
Ethical Reflections and Controversies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References and Further Reading

Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was launched by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992 to counter the anonymity imposed on Holocaust victims. Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm concrete cube topped with a brass plate inscribed with the name and life dates of a victim of Nazi persecution. The intention is to commemorate individuals at the last place they chose to live, work, or study before being deported or otherwise affected by Nazi terror (Stolpersteine.eu).

From the first stones in Berlin-Kreuzberg in 1996, the project has expanded internationally, with local communities, schools, and relatives often involved in the research, funding, and installation of the stones. This decentralized approach fosters shared remembrance and local responsibility, ensuring that victims are honored not as numbers but as individuals.

Symbolism and Artistic Vision

The placement of Stolpersteine in front of victims’ last voluntary homes is deeply symbolic. During the Nazi era, Jewish gravestones were desecrated and used as paving stones—forcing people to walk over names of the dead. Stolpersteine subvert this by restoring dignity, integrating memory into daily urban life, and inviting passersby to “stumble” across history.

The term “Stolperstein” itself is layered with meaning—both as a literal stumbling stone and as a metaphor for confronting difficult history within everyday routines (BBC Travel).

Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden: Local Context

Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, is home to hundreds of Stolpersteine, each marking the last residence of a victim of Nazi persecution (Commons: Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden-Mitte). Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine project is a product of decades of local research and advocacy, with the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse spearheading installations and educational initiatives (AMS Wiesbaden).

Community involvement is central: local schools, descendants, and civic organizations research victims’ biographies and participate in the installation and upkeep of stones, making the memorial truly part of the urban fabric.

The Story of Emmy Meyer

The Stolperstein dedicated to Emmy Meyer commemorates her as a victim of Nazi persecution. While specific biographical details may be limited, her stone, like others, restores her name and fate to public awareness. Typically, Stolpersteine are inscribed with the person’s name, date of birth, and, if known, the dates of deportation and death. The inscription “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”) personalizes the memorial and emphasizes individual remembrance (Stolpersteine.eu; AMS Wiesbaden).

Visiting the Stolpersteine: Practical Information

Accessibility and Hours

24/7 Access: Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and are accessible at any time, free of charge.
No Tickets Required: There are no entry fees or ticketing requirements.

Guided Tours and Digital Resources

Guided Tours: Wiesbaden Congress & Marketing GmbH and the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse offer guided tours that include Stolpersteine and related sites. Tours are available in German and English (Wiesbaden Congress & Marketing).
Self-Guided Options: Use the Stolpersteine database, the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden website, or digital apps like Audiala for maps, biographies, and audio guides.
On-Site Information: Some Stolpersteine feature QR codes linking to further historical details.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: For quiet reflection, visit during daylight hours, especially early mornings or late afternoons.
Comfort: Wear comfortable walking shoes; pavements may be uneven.
Accessibility: Most Stolpersteine are wheelchair accessible, but some older sidewalks may pose challenges. Contact Tourist Information Wiesbaden for details.
Groups: For large groups, book guided tours in advance.

Nearby Attractions

Museum Wiesbaden: Art, natural history, and exhibitions on Jewish history (Museum Wiesbaden).
Jewish Memorial Wiesbaden: Dedicated to the city’s Jewish Holocaust victims.
Kurhaus and Kurpark: Historic spa complex and gardens for reflective walks.
Marktkirche: The main Protestant church, often hosting remembrance events.

Community Engagement and Remembrance

Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden are a living memorial thanks to ongoing community involvement. Local sponsors, schools, and organizations participate in research, installation, and maintenance. Cleaning the brass plaques, particularly before Holocaust remembrance days, is a respected tradition. Visitors are encouraged to pause, read the inscriptions, and, if they wish, leave a small stone or flower as a sign of respect (AMS Wiesbaden).

Ethical Reflections and Controversies

While widely embraced, the Stolpersteine project has sparked debate—particularly about the ethics of placing memorials in sidewalks where they may be stepped on. Some communities have opted for alternative memorials, such as wall-mounted plaques. In Wiesbaden, community support remains strong, but ongoing dialogue ensures that remembrance remains sensitive and meaningful (Leo Baeck Institute; Holocaust Educational Trust; The Independent).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is Emmy Meyer’s Stolperstein located?
A: It is embedded in the sidewalk in front of her last freely chosen residence in Wiesbaden. Exact locations can be found via the Stolperstein database or the AMS Wiesbaden Stolperstein list.

Q: Are there visiting hours or an admission fee?
A: No. Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7 and free of charge.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Local organizations such as the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and tourism authorities offer guided tours (Wiesbaden Congress & Marketing).

Q: What is the best way to show respect when visiting?
A: Pause to read the inscription, and you may leave a small stone or flower.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Generally yes, but some pavements may be uneven. Contact local tourism offices for assistance.

Q: How can I learn more about the individuals commemorated?
A: Use QR codes on some plaques, or consult digital resources such as the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden website and the Stolperstein Guide.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein dedicated to Emmy Meyer is one of many memorials in Wiesbaden that bring personal Holocaust histories into the present day. These stones are accessible at all times and invite both reflection and participation. Enhancing your visit with guided tours or digital resources deepens the experience and helps keep memory alive.

We encourage visitors to approach the Stolpersteine with respect, to explore Wiesbaden’s broader historical landscape, and to participate in local remembrance activities. Download the Audiala app for guided Stolpersteine tours, or visit Wiesbaden Tourism for information on events and walking routes. Your thoughtful engagement supports remembrance and education for future generations.