Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Markus Lubasch in Wiesbaden, Germany: A Comprehensive Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Markus Lubasch in Wiesbaden, Germany, is part of the world’s largest decentralized memorial project commemorating victims of National Socialism. Conceived in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine—or “stumbling stones”—initiative embeds personalized brass plaques into sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of victims. These small but powerful memorials transform urban landscapes into open-air sites of remembrance, inviting reflection and ensuring that the tragedy of the Holocaust is never forgotten (stolpersteine.eu).
Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, actively participates in this memorial philosophy, hosting over 700 Stolpersteine as of 2025. Each stone, including that of Markus Lubasch, serves as a focal point for visitors seeking to engage with the city’s Jewish heritage and the broader narrative of the Holocaust (wiesbaden-lebt.de). This guide presents the origins and significance of the Stolpersteine project, the history of Markus Lubasch and his family, and practical information for visiting, including accessibility, nearby attractions, and tips for a meaningful visit.
Table of Contents
- Origins and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Project
- The Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden: Scale and Local Context
- The Lubasch Family: History and Memorialization
- Visiting the Stolperstein for Markus Lubasch: Location, Access, and Hours
- Guided Tours, Digital Resources, and Community Initiatives
- Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips
- Nearby Memorials and Points of Interest
- Significance and Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion and Call to Action
- References
Origins and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Project
The Stolpersteine project, or “stumbling stones,” began in 1992 as a decentralized memorial art initiative by Gunter Demnig. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete block with a hand-engraved brass plate, inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and—if known—date and place of death. The first installations appeared in Berlin in 1996, and as of 2025, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine are found in over 1,800 European cities (pragueviews.com).
The project’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten.” By embedding memory into everyday urban life, Stolpersteine invite passersby to pause, reflect, and connect with the individuals whose lives were uprooted and destroyed during the Holocaust (folklife.si.edu). The project’s inclusive approach commemorates Jews, Sinti and Roma, political prisoners, people with disabilities, and others persecuted by the Nazis (stolpersteine.eu).
The Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden: Scale and Local Context
Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine project began in the early 2000s and is coordinated by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse für Deutsch-Jüdische Geschichte. Over 700 stones are laid throughout the city, with new additions annually (wiesbaden-lebt.de). These memorials are often installed in clusters, marking areas where Jewish families and other victims once lived.
Local initiatives, including the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden app and interactive mapping projects, provide digital access to biographies, historical context, and self-guided walking routes (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse). Community engagement remains central, with schools, residents, and descendants sponsoring stones and participating in ceremonies.
The Lubasch Family: History and Memorialization
The Lubasch family, like many Jewish families in Wiesbaden, suffered persecution under the Nazi regime. Markus Lubasch is commemorated alongside other family members—Frieda, Paula, and Adolf Lubasch—with Stolpersteine marking their last freely chosen residence (mapcarta.com). While specific biographical details may be scarce, these stones ensure the family’s story is preserved and honored.
The Stolpersteine for the Lubasch family are situated close together in a residential area, reflecting the shared fate of many Wiesbaden families. Their presence invites visitors to remember not only individual victims but also the collective loss experienced by the city’s Jewish community (tracesofwar.com).
Visiting the Stolperstein for Markus Lubasch: Location, Access, and Hours
The Stolperstein for Markus Lubasch is located in a central, walkable district of Wiesbaden. You can find its precise location using the Stolpersteine database, the Wiesbaden Stolpersteine app, or maps and guides provided by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).
Visiting Hours: As public memorials, Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7, free of charge. No tickets or reservations are required.
Getting There: Wiesbaden’s public transport network provides easy access. The site is walkable from many city attractions, and nearby parking is available for visitors arriving by car.
Accessibility: The Stolperstein is at street level. While generally accessible, some pavements may be uneven; visitors using mobility aids should plan accordingly.
Guided Tours, Digital Resources, and Community Initiatives
Guided Stolpersteine tours are offered by Wiesbaden’s tourist office and the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse, often in German and English. These tours provide deeper insight into individual stories and Wiesbaden’s Holocaust history (wiesbaden-lebt.de). Digital resources, including the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden app and interactive maps, help visitors locate stones and learn about the people they commemorate.
Community involvement is central to the Stolpersteine project. Local schools and organizations participate in educational activities, research, and cleaning campaigns such as “Gegen das Vergessen” (“Against Forgetting”) to keep the memorials visible and respected (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).
Visitor Etiquette and Practical Tips
- Respectful Conduct: Approach the Stolperstein quietly. Pause to read the inscription and reflect on the life it commemorates.
- Cleaning: It is customary to bring a soft cloth to gently polish the brass as a symbolic act of remembrance.
- Photography: Discreet photography is permitted but avoid obstructing pedestrians or disturbing residents.
- Commemorative Gestures: Leaving a small stone or flower is a traditional Jewish sign of remembrance.
- Best Times: Daytime is ideal for safety and visibility; early morning or late afternoon light is best for photography.
Nearby Memorials and Points of Interest
- Other Lubasch Family Stolpersteine: Visit nearby stones commemorating Frieda, Paula, and Adolf Lubasch for a fuller understanding of the family’s story (mapcarta.com).
- Holocaust Memorial Wiesbaden: Located on Michelsberg, this central memorial lists over 1,500 Jewish victims and marks the site of the former main synagogue (tracesofwar.com).
- Heinrich-Heine-Anlage: This park features memorials and a stele inscribed with “Love is the conscience of the world,” underscoring the city’s commitment to remembrance (wiesbaden.de).
- Museum Wiesbaden and Marktkirche: Both are within walking distance and offer additional opportunities for historical exploration.
Significance and Impact
The Stolpersteine for Markus Lubasch and others in Wiesbaden serve not only as memorials but also as catalysts for community engagement and education. Their presence in daily urban life fosters ongoing reflection and dialogue about the Holocaust, ensuring that victims are remembered as individuals, not statistics (pragueviews.com).
Wiesbaden’s active participation in the Stolpersteine project demonstrates a citywide commitment to remembrance, supported by digital tools, community initiatives, and educational programs. Visitors are encouraged to approach these memorials with empathy, participate in guided tours, and support ongoing remembrance activities (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need tickets to visit the Stolperstein for Markus Lubasch?
No. Stolpersteine are public memorials and can be visited free of charge at any time.
What are the visiting hours?
The memorial stones are accessible 24/7. Daytime visits are recommended.
Are Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
Generally, yes. They are at street level, but some pavements may be uneven.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. The Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and Wiesbaden’s tourist information center offer guided tours, especially on commemorative dates.
Can visitors participate in remembrance rituals?
Absolutely. Visitors are welcome to clean the stones gently or leave a stone or flower in remembrance.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Visiting the Stolperstein for Markus Lubasch in Wiesbaden is a deeply personal way to engage with the city’s history and honor the memory of Holocaust victims. These memorials are always accessible, free, and supported by digital resources and community initiatives. By visiting, reflecting, and participating, you help ensure that the legacy of Markus Lubasch and countless others remains alive in our collective memory.
For an enhanced experience, download the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden app, consult the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse’s resources, and consider joining a guided tour. Explore related historical sites in Wiesbaden and support ongoing remembrance efforts. In doing so, you contribute to the city’s ongoing commitment to “never forget.”
References
- Visiting the Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden: History, Practical Information, and Guided Tours, 2025, (stolpersteine.eu)
- Visiting Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden: Hours, Tours, and Historical Insights, 2025, (wiesbaden-lebt.de)
- Visiting the Stolperstein for Markus Lubasch in Wiesbaden: History, Location & Tips, 2025, (stolpersteine.eu)
- Visiting the Stolperstein for Markus Lubasch in Wiesbaden: Hours, Location & Historical Significance, 2024, (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse)
