Introduction

The Stolperstein (stumbling stone) project, founded by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, is the world’s largest decentralized memorial to the victims of Nazi persecution. These small brass plaques, embedded in sidewalks, commemorate individuals at their last freely chosen residences, transforming public spaces into sites of remembrance and personal reflection (Stolpersteine.eu).

In Wiesbaden, over 700 Stolpersteine have been installed, making the city a living archive of its former Jewish residents, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, and other victims of Nazi oppression. Among these is the Stolperstein for Paul Sulzberger, located at Adelheidstraße 75, which honors his life and the memory of his family (Mapcarta, Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse). This guide provides a detailed overview of the memorial’s historical and cultural context, practical visitor information, and resources for meaningful engagement.

1. The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Purpose

Conceived as a counter to the erasure of Holocaust victims, Gunter Demnig’s Stolpersteine are 10 x 10 cm brass plaques set flush in the pavement, each inscribed with the name, birth date, fate, and—if known—date and place of death of a victim. The project follows the Jewish tradition of remembering the individual by name and brings history directly into the urban landscape (Stolpersteine.eu). As of 2025, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across Europe.

2. Historical Context: Wiesbaden and the Holocaust

Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine commemorate its lost Jewish community and other groups persecuted by the Nazi regime. The city’s neighborhoods, particularly the Dichterviertel, Rheingauviertel, and Westend, were home to vibrant Jewish families before the Holocaust. The stones serve as daily reminders of the atrocities committed and the lives disrupted (wiesbaden-lebt.de).

3. Paul Sulzberger: A Personal Story

Paul Sulzberger was born in 1931 and lived at Adelheidstraße 75, Wiesbaden. In 1942, at just eleven years old, he was deported to Sobibor and murdered. His Stolperstein, inscribed with these details, stands as a testament to his brief life and the fate of the Sulzberger family. Other Stolpersteine nearby commemorate Anna and Manfred Sulzberger, underscoring the collective loss experienced by the community (Mapcarta, TracesOfWar).

4. Cultural and Memorial Significance

Stolpersteine transform abstract tragedy into personal remembrance. Their placement at eye level with the street encourages passersby to pause and reflect. The simple, decentralized nature makes memory accessible to all, integrating history into daily life and inviting both spontaneous and intentional engagement (Wiesbaden Tourismus).

Community members, schools, and organizations actively participate in research, installation, and upkeep, ensuring the stones remain visible and meaningful (wiesbaden-lebt.de).

5. Location and Accessibility

Address: Adelheidstraße 75, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany (TracesOfWar)
Coordinates: 50.07583 N, 8.233845 E
Access: The memorial is easily reached on foot from Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (main train station), about 1 km away. The area is served by several bus lines and is pedestrian-friendly.
Parking: Limited street parking; several public garages are nearby.
Mobility: The site is accessible to most visitors, including those with mobility challenges, though sidewalks may have minor unevenness.

6. Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Hours: Open 24/7, year-round. No ticket or reservation required.
Admission: Free.
Best Times: Daylight hours are advised for clarity and safety. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be quieter.

7. On-Site Experience and Visitor Etiquette

Inscription:

Hier wohnte
Paul Sulzberger
Jg. 1931
deportiert 1942
Sobibor
ermordet 1942
Traditions: Pause for a moment of silence, clean the plaque with a cloth, or leave a small stone or flower in remembrance.
Photography: Permitted, but please be discreet and respectful of the residential surroundings.
Safety: Watch for traffic and be mindful not to block the sidewalk.

9. Community Involvement and Preservation

Local volunteers, schools, and organizations regularly clean and maintain the Stolpersteine. Sponsorship of new stones is encouraged and coordinated through the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse; each stone costs €120 (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse). Ongoing community initiatives ensure the memorials’ longevity and visibility (wiesbaden-lebt.de).

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Paul Sulzberger Stolperstein located?
A: Adelheidstraße 75, Wiesbaden, Germany (Mapcarta).

Q: Do I need a ticket?
A: No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial accessible at all times.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, guided tours are available through the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and local organizations.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: The sidewalk is generally accessible, but surface conditions may vary.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, but please be respectful.

11. Visuals and Nearby Attractions

Paul Sulzberger Stolperstein Wiesbaden

Explore Wiesbaden’s rich array of historical sites:

Nearby attractions include the Stadtmuseum am Markt, Kurhaus, Museum Wiesbaden, and the Russian Orthodox Church.

12. Summary and Visitor Recommendations

The Stolperstein for Paul Sulzberger exemplifies the impact of decentralized memorialization, restoring dignity and individual memory to victims of the Holocaust. Accessible around the clock and free to the public, it encourages spontaneous and meaningful engagement with Wiesbaden’s history. Visitors are encouraged to participate in traditions of remembrance, join guided tours, use digital resources, and support the ongoing work of local institutions.

Engaging with the Stolperstein project is both an act of remembrance and a contribution to the preservation of human rights and historical awareness. By visiting and reflecting on Paul Sulzberger’s story, you help ensure the lessons of the past remain present for future generations (Traces of War).

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