Stolperstein commemorating Hedwig Strauss in Wiesbaden, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Hedwig Strauss Geb. Rödelheimer

Stolperstein Hedwig Strauss Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein for Hedwig Strauss (née Rödelheimer) in Wiesbaden offers a profound and personal connection to the city’s Jewish heritage and the tragic history of the Holocaust. As part of artist Gunter Demnig’s Stolpersteine project, this small brass memorial embedded in the sidewalk at Bahnhofstraße 46 invites reflection, remembrance, and dialogue, turning everyday public spaces into living sites of memory. This comprehensive guide details the history, location, visitor information, cultural importance, and surrounding attractions related to the Stolperstein for Hedwig Strauss.

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins, Expansion, and Concept

Initiated in 1992 by Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated concrete block engraved with the name and fate of a victim of National Socialism, installed at their last freely chosen residence or workplace. As of 2024, over 116,000 stones have been laid in 31 European countries, integrating remembrance into the urban environment and daily life (Stolpersteine Project; Stolpersteine Facts and Figures).

The project’s Talmudic inspiration—“A person is only forgotten when his name is forgotten”—emphasizes restoring individual identity and dignity to each victim (Stolpersteine Art Memorial). The collaborative and decentralized nature of the project encourages local communities, schools, and families to participate in research, sponsorship, and installation ceremonies, fostering intergenerational dialogue and ongoing remembrance.

Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden: Local History and Community Impact

Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine Network

Wiesbaden has been an active participant in the Stolpersteine project since 2005, with over 780 stones at 427 locations as of October 2024. The Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and local organizations coordinate research, installation, and maintenance, with strong support from schools and the city government (Spiegelgasse Stolpersteine; Stolpersteinliste Wiesbaden, October 2024).

Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden transform the cityscape into a tapestry of memory. Local educational initiatives, such as school research projects and a dedicated Stolpersteine app, help personalize and contextualize these memorials for residents and visitors alike (wiesbaden-lebt.de).

The Stolperstein for Hedwig Strauss

Hedwig Strauss, born in 1879 in Wüstensachsen, moved to Wiesbaden with her family in the early 1880s. She married Sebald Strauss in 1900, and the family, after a period in Geisenheim, settled at Bahnhofstraße 46 in Wiesbaden. The rise of the Nazi regime brought persecution and tragedy: their home became a “Judenhaus” (a forced Jewish residence) in 1940, and the family was eventually deported to Theresienstadt, where Hedwig was murdered in 1942 (moebus-flick.de).

Her Stolperstein, placed at Bahnhofstraße 46, restores her name and story to public consciousness, symbolizing the broader fate of Wiesbaden’s Jewish community.

Visiting the Stolperstein: Location, Hours, and Practical Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Bahnhofstraße 46, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany
Coordinates: 50.075244, 8.242852 (TracesOfWar.com)
Access: 10-minute walk from Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof; well-served by local buses (ESWE Verkehr). Public parking garages are available nearby.

The Stolperstein is embedded at street level, directly in front of the building, making it fully accessible to pedestrians and visitors with mobility aids.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Stolperstein: Accessible 24/7. No admission fee or ticket required.
Nearby museums:
- Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00 (free admission)
- Stadtmuseum am Markt (sam): Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (admission fee applies)

Suggested Visiting Times

Daylight hours provide the best visibility for reading and photography. Early morning and late afternoon are generally quieter for personal reflection.

What to Expect and Visitor Etiquette

The Stolperstein is a small, square brass plaque installed flush with the sidewalk. The inscription includes Hedwig Strauss’s name, birth year, and fate.
There are no staff or interpretive panels; the memorial is designed for spontaneous discovery and quiet contemplation.
Visitors often pause to read the inscription, place a small stone or flower, and reflect.
While the artist has said that the brass is meant to be polished by passersby, it is customary to avoid stepping directly on the stone out of respect (Stolpersteine.eu).
Photography is permitted. Please be mindful of residents and the building’s private nature.

Community Involvement and Maintenance

Local organizations, including Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and Wiesbadener Internationales Frauen Begegnungs- und Beratungszentrum (wif), hold regular cleaning events—often around Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and the Kristallnacht anniversary (November 9)—to maintain the stones’ visibility (wiesbaden-lebt.de). These events are open to volunteers and serve as acts of remembrance, reinforcing community engagement.

The Stolperstein for Hedwig Strauss represents more than a single life; it is a node within Europe’s largest decentralized memorial, restoring dignity to those whose identities were stripped by the Holocaust. It personalizes history, fostering empathy and reinforcing the city’s—and continent’s—commitment to remembrance and human rights (folklife.si.edu; germany.info).

Schools, guided tours, and digital resources—including interactive maps and a dedicated app—help contextualize these stories, making them accessible and meaningful for all generations.

Controversies and Ongoing Debates

While widely supported, the Stolpersteine project has sparked debate, especially regarding the placement of memorials in sidewalks. Some Jewish communities, notably in Munich, have opposed this format, preferring alternative approaches. In Wiesbaden, debates over language and coordination have occasionally delayed new installations, but the city continues to support and expand the project (LBI News; de.wikipedia.org).

Additional Visitor Tips and Nearby Attractions

Other Stolpersteine: Wiesbaden’s numerous stones can be explored via walking routes or guided tours, available through the Tourist Information office (Wiesbaden Tourist Information).
Museums: Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and Museum Wiesbaden offer further context and exhibitions on Jewish heritage and regional history.
Landmarks: Kurhaus Wiesbaden, Heathens’ Wall, Marktkirche, and Schlossplatz are all nearby, enriching your visit with the city’s broader cultural legacy (GermanSights.com).
Accessibility: Sidewalks are generally in good condition, but visitors with mobility needs should be aware of occasional uneven paving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The Stolperstein is accessible at any time; museums and tourist offices have posted hours.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No fee or ticket is required to visit the Stolperstein; some museums may charge admission.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Bahnhofstraße 46 is a short walk from the main train station and accessible by public transportation.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local organizations and the Wiesbaden Tourist Information Office.

Q: Can I participate in cleaning or remembrance events?
A: Yes, check with local organizations or the city’s cultural calendar for upcoming opportunities.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, it is set at street level.

How to Learn More and Get Involved

Download the Stolpersteine app for maps, biographies, and self-guided tours (wiesbaden-lebt.de).
Explore additional resources and victim biographies through Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse (Spiegelgasse Stolpersteine).
Consider sponsoring a Stolperstein or joining local cleaning events.

Visuals and Interactive Media

High-quality images and interactive maps are available on the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse website and the Stolpersteine app.
TracesOfWar.com hosts detailed site information and photographs.

Summary and Recommendations

The Stolperstein for Hedwig Strauss stands as a moving testament to the resilience and memory of Wiesbaden’s Jewish community and the broader European commitment to remembrance. Accessible at all hours and supported by rich educational resources, this small memorial prompts visitors to pause, reflect, and participate in an ongoing culture of empathy and historical responsibility. Combine your visit with local museums and walking tours to gain a comprehensive understanding of the city’s layered past.

Plan your visit to Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine, join remembrance activities, and use available digital tools to deepen your experience. Each act of remembrance helps keep Hedwig Strauss’s memory—and those of countless others—alive.