
Stolperstein Heinrich Rabinowicz Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Heinrich Rabinowicz in Wiesbaden offers a powerful, personal connection to the history of the Holocaust and the Jewish community of this German city. Stolpersteine—or “stumbling stones”—are small brass memorials set into sidewalks across Europe to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution. Initiated in 1992 by artist Gunter Demnig, the project integrates remembrance into daily urban life, encouraging passersby to reflect on the individuals who once lived or worked at these sites (Stolpersteine Wiesbaden).
Heinrich Rabinowicz’s Stolperstein, located at Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 42, marks the last freely chosen residence he shared with his wife, Irene, before their deportation during World War II. This memorial, along with the nearby Heinrich Rabinowicz Monument, serves as a testament to Wiesbaden’s once-thriving Jewish community and the tragedies it endured (Traces of War; Jewish Heritage Center Wiesbaden).
Accessible 24/7 and free to visit, the Stolperstein invites meaningful, self-guided engagement. Digital tools, such as the Audiala app and online maps, enhance the experience, while local practices—like cleaning the stones or joining remembrance ceremonies—add depth and reverence (Wiesbaden Lebt).
This comprehensive guide provides historical background, practical visiting details, and suggestions for further exploration, ensuring your visit is both informed and respectful (Stolpersteine.eu).
Contents
- What are Stolpersteine?
- Historical Context and Artistic Vision
- Structure and Symbolism
- Visiting the Heinrich Rabinowicz Stolperstein
- Location and Accessibility
- Visiting Hours and Tips
- Nearby Historical Sites
- Community and Educational Engagement
- Maintenance and Acts of Remembrance
- Digital Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Discovering the Heinrich Rabinowicz Monument
- Location and Accessibility
- Visiting Hours and Admission
- Visitor Tips
- Exact Location and Physical Description
- Practical Visitor Information
- How to Find the Stolperstein
- What to Expect
- Accessibility
- Respectful Conduct
- Best Times to Visit
- Architectural and Urban Context
- Nearby Points of Interest
- Visual and Interactive Resources
- Responsible Tourism and Preservation
- Summary and Further Exploration
- References
What are Stolpersteine?
Stolpersteine are small brass plaques, each commemorating an individual victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen place of residence or work. Conceived by Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project transforms European cities into living memorials, with each stone providing a direct, tangible connection to personal stories behind the Holocaust (Stolpersteine.eu).
Historical Context and Artistic Vision
The project began in 1992 as a decentralized memorial. Unlike large, centralized monuments, Stolpersteine are installed in everyday locations—sidewalks outside homes, schools, or businesses. This approach restores historical memory to the very places where lives were disrupted, fostering organic encounters with history (Stolpersteine Wiesbaden).
Structure and Symbolism
Each Stolperstein measures 10x10 centimeters and is topped with a hand-engraved brass plate listing the name, birth year, fate, and, where known, date and place of death of the victim. The stones are intentionally flush with the pavement, symbolizing both literal and metaphorical stumbling upon memory. The choice of brass echoes the desecration of Jewish gravestones by the Nazis, transforming this material into a vehicle for dignity and remembrance (Germany.info).
Visiting the Heinrich Rabinowicz Stolperstein
Location and Accessibility
The Stolperstein for Heinrich Rabinowicz is located at Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 42, 65185 Wiesbaden, marking the last residence he shared with his wife, Irene (Traces of War). The site is easily accessible by foot from Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and is well-served by public transport.
The stone is set into the sidewalk directly in front of the building. As with all Stolpersteine, it is accessible at all times, with no ticketing or admission fees required. The area is level and generally accessible for those with mobility challenges.
Visiting Hours and Tips
- Hours: 24/7, no restrictions.
- Best Time: Daylight hours for visibility and safety; early mornings and late afternoons are quieter.
- Tips: Bring a soft cloth to gently clean the brass if desired; this is a traditional act of remembrance, especially on anniversaries (Folklife Magazine).
Nearby Historical Sites
- Other Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden, many within walking distance (Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden).
- Stadtmuseum am Markt (sam), with exhibitions on local Jewish history (Wiesbaden Lebt).
- Wiesbaden Jewish Heritage Center (Jewish Heritage Center Wiesbaden).
Community and Educational Engagement
Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine project is coordinated by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse, with active involvement from local schools, families, and community groups. These organizations research biographies, maintain the stones, and organize remembrance events, fostering a living culture of memory (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).
Maintenance and Acts of Remembrance
Regular cleaning and the placement of flowers, candles, or small stones are common gestures of respect. Significant dates, such as International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9), are marked by ceremonies and communal cleaning (Wiesbaden Lebt).
Digital Resources
- Audiala app: Offers audio guides and interactive maps for Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden.
- Stolpersteine.eu database: Comprehensive directory of stones across Europe (Stolpersteine.eu).
- Wiesbaden Stolpersteine map: Detailed, updated locations (tappenbeck.net).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass memorials set into sidewalks to commemorate individual victims of Nazi persecution.
Where is the Heinrich Rabinowicz Stolperstein?
Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 42, 65185 Wiesbaden (Traces of War).
Is there an entry fee?
No, the site is free and open at all times.
Is it accessible?
Yes, the site is on a level sidewalk and generally accessible.
Can I participate in remembrance activities?
Yes, local organizations often welcome visitors to cleaning and commemorative events.
Discovering the Heinrich Rabinowicz Monument
Location and Accessibility
The Heinrich Rabinowicz Monument is situated near Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 65, close to public transport and a short walk from the city center.
Visiting Hours and Admission
- Monument: Open-air, accessible 24/7, free of charge.
- Jewish Heritage Center: Monday–Saturday, 10:00–17:00; €5 for adults, discounts for students/seniors (Jewish Heritage Center Wiesbaden).
Visitor Tips
- Wear comfortable footwear for cobblestone streets.
- Guided tours are available and highly recommended.
- The monument is wheelchair accessible; check ahead for other sites.
Exact Location and Physical Description
- Address: Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 42, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany
- Coordinates: 50.073599, 8.232794 (Traces of War)
- Description: 10x10 cm brass plaque, inscribed with:
- Name: Heinrich Rabinowicz
- Date of Birth: 1874
- Deportation: 1 September 1942, Theresienstadt
- Date of Death: 27 November 1942, Theresienstadt
The stone is embedded in the sidewalk, often accompanied by a stone for his wife, Irene (Stolpersteine Wiesbaden).
Practical Visitor Information
How to Find the Stolperstein
- From Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof, walk less than 10 minutes to Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 42.
- Use digital maps or the Audiala app for navigation.
What to Expect
- The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement, requiring visitors to look down to read the inscription.
- It is part of a network of Stolpersteine, with several others nearby.
Accessibility
- Level sidewalk, accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
- The inscription may be harder to read for those with limited vision.
Respectful Conduct
- Avoid stepping directly on the stones.
- Pause for quiet reflection.
- Take photos discreetly, without blocking the sidewalk or disturbing residents.
- Cleaning the stone with a soft cloth is encouraged as a sign of respect (Folklife Magazine).
Best Times to Visit
- Daylight hours for best visibility.
- Commemorative dates (January 27, November 9) for special ceremonies (Wiesbaden Lebt).
Architectural and Urban Context
Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring is a grand, historic boulevard, reflective of Wiesbaden’s prosperity in the early 20th century. The Stolperstein’s placement outside a stately residential building recalls the vibrant Jewish community that was once integral to the city (Erinnerungsblatt Rabinowicz).
Nearby Points of Interest
- Other Stolpersteine: Explore more stones to understand the breadth of remembrance in Wiesbaden (Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden).
- Stadtmuseum am Markt: Exhibits on local history, including Jewish heritage.
- Kurhaus and Nerobergbahn: Iconic Wiesbaden landmarks for broader cultural context.
Visual and Interactive Resources
- “Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden” app for maps and background information (Wiesbaden Lebt).
- Guided tours and virtual resources from the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).
- Alt text for images: “Stolperstein for Heinrich Rabinowicz embedded in sidewalk at Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 42, Wiesbaden.”
Responsible Tourism and Preservation
- Approach the Stolperstein with quiet respect.
- Participate in cleaning or commemorative events if possible.
- Report any damage or vandalism to local authorities or Stolpersteine organizations.
Summary and Further Exploration
The Stolperstein for Heinrich Rabinowicz at Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 42 is a modest yet profoundly significant memorial. It stands as a testament to the lives lost and the resilience of remembrance in Wiesbaden’s Jewish community. The stone’s presence invites every passerby to engage in personal reflection and collective memory.
The memorial is freely accessible and supported by digital guides and community engagement. Participation in local ceremonies, exploration of nearby historical sites, and the use of educational resources all enrich the visitor experience (Wiesbaden Tourism).
By engaging with Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine and related monuments, visitors help ensure that the names and stories of victims like Heinrich Rabinowicz are not forgotten. Each visit is a step in the vital process of remembrance and learning.
References
- Stolpersteine Wiesbaden
- Traces of War
- Jewish Heritage Center Wiesbaden
- Wiesbaden Lebt
- Stolpersteine.eu
- tappenbeck.net Stolpersteine Map
- Germany.info
- Folklife Magazine
- Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden
- Erinnerungsblatt Rabinowicz
- Wiesbaden Tourism
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