Stolperstein for Lore Kahn in Wiesbaden
The Stolperstein for Lore Kahn is in Wiesbaden’s Rheingauviertel, at Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 80, 65185 Wiesbaden. It marks her last voluntary residence and is part of the city’s wider network of memorials to people persecuted under the Nazi regime. Although Kahn died before the Holocaust, her memorial reflects Wiesbaden’s commitment to remembering those affected by persecution (Spartacus Educational; am-spiegelgasse.de).
Historical context
The Stolpersteine project, or “stumbling stones,” was initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s. In 1992, Demnig installed the first plaques in Cologne. The project has become the world’s largest decentralized memorial to victims of National Socialism, including Jews, Roma and Sinti, political dissidents, and others (stolpersteine.eu).
Each 10x10 cm brass plaque is engraved with a person’s name and fate and placed at their last freely chosen home or workplace. The project’s guiding principle—“A human being is forgotten only when his or her name is forgotten”—is rooted in Jewish tradition (tracesofwar.com).
By 2025, there were over 100,000 Stolpersteine in more than 1,800 cities and towns across Europe (stolpersteine.eu). Another project count reports over 116,000 stones across 31 countries (Stolpersteine.eu). Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, has a significant number of stones commemorating Jewish residents and other victims of the Nazi regime (Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden-Rheingauviertel).
By December 2024, Wiesbaden had 784 Stolpersteine in front of 427 houses. The project is coordinated by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and supported by local government (am-spiegelgasse.de; Wikipedia). New stones continue to be installed each year.
Lore Kahn
Lore Kahn was born in Vienna in 1901 to a Jewish family. She trained as a teacher for Jewish orphans and was active in progressive circles, including the communist youth movement (Spartacus Educational).
Her relationships brought her into contact with Wilhelm Reich, then an emerging psychologist. Their emotionally significant relationship is documented in Reich’s autobiography and Kahn’s diary. Social constraints and Reich’s landlady forced Kahn into poor living conditions, which affected her health (Spartacus Educational).
Kahn died in 1920, before the Nazi rise to power. Accounts of her death differ: Reich attributed it to sepsis from rheumatism exacerbated by poor conditions, while other sources suggest complications from a botched illegal abortion (Spartacus Educational).
The memorial and its significance
The stone for Kahn is part of Wiesbaden’s extensive network of Stolpersteine, which honours her and other Jewish citizens persecuted under the Nazis (Mapcarta). Its location is also recorded at mapcarta.com. The precise address and inscription are documented in the official Stolperstein list.
Each stone is based on individual research, often involving local historians and relatives, and is hand-engraved with personal details. The project counters the anonymity of mass murder by making each person’s story part of everyday public space. Installation ceremonies typically involve community members and sometimes Demnig himself.
The stones’ ground-level placement invites passersby to pause and reflect. Weathering brass and communal care, such as polishing the plaques, are also part of the project’s symbolism and practice of remembrance. The Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and local schools support engagement with these memorials, while the Stolpersteine-App makes them accessible to new generations (wiesbaden-lebt.de).
Practical visiting information
Location and access
- Address Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 80, 65185 Wiesbaden (Traces of War)
- Coordinates 50.071767 N, 8.237976 E
- The site is accessible by train, bus, car, bicycle, and on foot. Public transport, walking, and cycling are described as providing easy access (am-spiegelgasse.de).
- The plaque is flush with the sidewalk and generally accessible to all, although some historic or uneven pavements may require caution.
Hours and tickets
Stolpersteine are in public spaces and can be visited free of charge at any time, 24/7. There are no formal opening hours or ticket requirements. Year-round visits during daylight hours are suggested.
Tips for a respectful visit
Pause at the stone, read its inscription, and reflect. Cleaning or polishing the brass is a tradition that symbolizes remembrance. Photography is permitted and can promote awareness, but should be discreet and respectful of the location.
Walking tours through historic neighborhoods are one way to visit Stolpersteine. Visitors may also consider Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 or other commemorative events.
Nearby places
Other places mentioned for a visit alongside the Stolperstein include:
- Holocaust Memorial Wiesbaden
- Museum Wiesbaden
- The Hessian State Museum
- The Russian Orthodox Church Wiesbaden
- The historic Rheingauviertel
- The nearby Jewish Museum Frankfurt
Community work and ongoing discussion
Local communities research biographies, raise funds, and organize ceremonies, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility (stolpersteine.eu). School initiatives use the stones to encourage critical thinking and empathy, and to prompt discussion about intolerance and civic responsibility.
The project has also prompted debate. Critics argue that plaques embedded in sidewalks risk being stepped on or soiled, and their installation has been restricted in some cities (stolpersteine.eu). Others raise concerns about inconsistencies in research or language. Debates over wording and the use of Nazi-era terminology on some stones reflect continuing discussions about historical accuracy and sensitivity (Wikipedia). Supporters regard the project’s personal, grassroots character as a strength.
FAQ: Visiting Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden
What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution.
Where can I find Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden?
They are found throughout the city, especially in the Rheingauviertel. A full list is available here.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Stolpersteine are public and free to visit.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local historical and educational organizations offer tours; the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse occasionally offers guided tours.
What’s the best way to visit?
Walking tours through historic neighborhoods are recommended.
