Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Itta Laub in Wiesbaden, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Itta Laub

Stolperstein Itta Laub Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) dedicated to Itta Laub in Wiesbaden is a powerful and personal memorial to the victims of Nazi persecution. As part of the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, the Stolpersteine project embeds the memory of individuals like Itta Laub directly into the city’s urban fabric, inviting visitors and locals alike to reflect on the past within the flow of daily life. This guide provides comprehensive information on the historical background, cultural significance, practical details for visiting, and ways to deepen your engagement with Wiesbaden’s history and the legacy of the Holocaust.

What Are Stolpersteine?

The Stolpersteine project was initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992–93 to honor the victims of National Socialism. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete block topped with a brass plate, inscribed with the name and life dates of a victim. These stones are installed in front of the last freely chosen residence or workplace of those persecuted, murdered, or exiled by the Nazis, restoring their names and stories to public consciousness (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia - Stolperstein).

By mid-2024, over 116,000 Stolpersteine have been placed across 31 European countries, making it the largest memorial project of its kind (Stolpersteine.eu). In Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, hundreds of these stones mark the last known homes of local victims, with Itta Laub’s Stolperstein serving as a poignant example.

Historical Context: Itta Laub and the Stolperstein Project

Itta Laub was among the countless Jewish citizens of Wiesbaden persecuted under the Nazi regime. The Stolperstein at her last known address in the Altstadt (Old Town) stands as a silent witness to her life and tragic fate. Each Stolperstein begins with “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”), emphasizing the individuality of each victim and their place within the community (Wikipedia - Stolperstein; Mapcarta - Stolperstein dedicated to Itta Laub).

The project’s decentralized nature means that memory is integrated into everyday environments, not relegated to museums or distant memorials. In Wiesbaden, Stolpersteine are maintained by local residents and organizations, who sponsor stones and ensure their ongoing visibility (Hessen Tourist - Wiesbaden; Am-Spiegelgasse.de).

Stolpersteine are more than memorial markers; they are social sculptures that invite emotional and intellectual engagement. The collaborative process of research, sponsorship, and installation involves survivors, relatives, historians, local authorities, and community members (Stolpersteine.eu). Ceremonies marking new installations often include readings, music, and moments of reflection, reinforcing the communal nature of remembrance.

The material choice—brass—reflects the intention that the stones be maintained and polished, symbolizing an ongoing process of memory and care (Stolpersteine.eu).

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The Stolpersteine project counters the anonymity imposed by the Nazi extermination policies by restoring names and stories. Inspired by the saying, “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten,” each stone is a personal and collective reminder of the atrocities committed and the lives disrupted (LBI.org). Placed in public spaces, they democratize memory and encourage everyday encounters with history (Folklife Magazine).

Visiting the Stolperstein for Itta Laub: Practical Information

Location

The Stolperstein for Itta Laub is found in Wiesbaden’s historic Altstadt, in front of her last freely chosen residence. For the exact address, refer to the official Wiesbaden Stolpersteine list or use the Wiesbaden Stolpersteine app.

Access and Hours

Open access, 24/7: Stolpersteine are public installations and can be visited at any time.
No tickets or fees: There is no admission charge.

Getting There

Wiesbaden’s city center is easily accessible by foot, bus, or tram. The Wiesbaden Tourist Information Office on Marktplatz provides maps and guidance (Hessen Tourist - Wiesbaden; Germansights.com). A Wiesbaden Card offers unlimited travel on local transport for 24 or 48 hours.

Accessibility

Most Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks, generally accessible to visitors with mobility impairments. Some older streets may feature uneven surfaces; the tourist office can advise on accessible routes.

Enhancing Your Visit

Guided and Self-Guided Tours

Guided tours: Offered by the tourist office and local organizations, often including multiple Stolpersteine and Holocaust memorials (tourismus.wiesbaden.de).
Self-guided walks: Use maps or the Stolpersteine app for flexible exploration.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting for photography and a more contemplative atmosphere. The months from April to October are most comfortable for walking.

Visitor Etiquette

Pause, read, and reflect quietly.
Placing a small stone or flower is a respectful gesture in Jewish tradition.
Photography is permitted, but be discreet and mindful of residents.
If the stone is dirty, gently cleaning it is appreciated.

Nearby Memorials and Points of Interest

Expand your visit by exploring additional sites related to Wiesbaden’s Jewish history:

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Wiesbaden: At the former synagogue site on Michelsberg, listing over 1,500 victims (Wiesbaden.de).
Synagogue Memorials: Plaques and sculptures at former synagogue locations.
Southern Cemetery: Memorial fields for Holocaust victims and forced laborers.
Deportation Memorial Schlachthoframpe: Near the main railway station, marking a key site of persecution.

Educational and Community Engagement

The Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden are integrated into local education and culture. Schools and community groups sponsor stones and research biographies, while museums like the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse offer in-depth resources (Am-Spiegelgasse.de). The Wiesbaden Stolpersteine app provides digital maps, stories, and walking routes.

Annual events, such as Holocaust Remembrance Day, feature ceremonies, cleaning activities, and public talks. Community members are encouraged to participate in maintaining the stones and sponsoring new ones (de.wikipedia.org).

Addressing Controversies

While widely embraced, the Stolpersteine project has faced some criticism—particularly regarding the placement of names in the pavement. Some perceive this as disrespectful, but supporters emphasize the metaphorical intent: encouraging passersby to “stumble” emotionally and intellectually upon history (LBI.org; Folklife Magazine). Wiesbaden’s community has overwhelmingly supported the project, reflecting a commitment to ongoing dialogue about memory and remembrance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where exactly is the Itta Laub Stolperstein located?
A: Find the address on the official Stolpersteine list or use the Wiesbaden Stolpersteine app.

Q: Do I need a ticket to visit?
A: No, Stolpersteine are public memorials and are always free to visit.

Q: Are the stones accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most are accessible, but check with the tourist office for the most suitable routes.

Q: Can I participate in cleaning or sponsoring a Stolperstein?
A: Yes, contact Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse or the city for details on community involvement.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, especially around major remembrance dates; inquire at tourismus.wiesbaden.de.

Further Resources

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Itta Laub in Wiesbaden is more than a memorial—it is a living testament to the city’s commitment to remembrance, education, and community engagement. By visiting, reflecting, and participating in local initiatives, you help ensure that the stories of Itta Laub and countless others are not forgotten. Enhance your experience by downloading the Audiala app for audio tours, exploring related historical sites, and joining the broader conversation on remembrance both online and within Wiesbaden’s vibrant community.