Stolperstein Dedicated To Sophie Morgenthau Geb. Bender

Stolperstein Sophie Morgenthau Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Sophie Morgenthau (née Bender) in Wiesbaden, Germany, offers a personal and powerful connection to the stories of Holocaust victims within the city’s Jewish history. The Stolperstein project, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, is the world’s largest decentralized memorial: small brass plaques embedded into sidewalks at victims’ last freely chosen residences. Each marker, inscribed with names, dates, and fates, transforms everyday urban spaces into places of remembrance, inviting passersby to pause and reflect on history. Sophie Morgenthau’s Stolperstein not only commemorates her individual life and tragic fate but also highlights the broader persecution of Jewish families in Wiesbaden during the Nazi era.

This guide provides comprehensive information for visiting Sophie Morgenthau’s Stolperstein, including historical background, cultural significance, practical visitor tips, accessibility, and related sites. Whether you are a local, a student, or a traveler seeking meaningful cultural experiences, this article will help you plan your visit and engage respectfully with this unique memorial.

For further details, visit the Wiesbaden Heritage website, the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden portal, and the Holocaust Educational Trust UK.

The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Philosophy
Sophie Morgenthau: Her Story
Personalization and the Power of Place
Cultural and Educational Impact
Controversies and Ethical Considerations
Integrating Stolpersteine into Wiesbaden’s Urban Landscape
Practical Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Visitor Tips and Responsible Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Related Sites and Further Exploration
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Philosophy

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) project is a decentralized memorial initiative conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig. Its goal is to commemorate individual victims of Nazi persecution by embedding small brass plaques in the pavement in front of their last freely chosen residence or place of work. Each Stolperstein measures 10x10 cm and bears the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and, if known, date and place of death (Holocaust Educational Trust UK).

The philosophy behind the project is to restore identity and dignity to each victim, counteracting the anonymity imposed by the Nazi regime. By integrating remembrance into everyday public spaces, the Stolperstein project turns memory into a lived experience and fosters ongoing reflection and dialogue (Holocaust Educational Trust UK).

Sophie Morgenthau: Her Story

Sophie Morgenthau, née Bender, was among the many Jewish residents of Wiesbaden persecuted during the Nazi regime. She and her family lived at Adelheidstraße 94, a building that was forcibly designated a “Judenhaus”—a house where Jewish families were concentrated before deportation. While specific biographical details may be limited, the Stolperstein for Sophie Morgenthau stands as a testament to her life and the fate she suffered. Over 1,500 Jews from Wiesbaden were deported and murdered during the Holocaust (wiesbaden.de).

The Stolperstein is installed at her last freely chosen residence; the exact address can be found through local maps or the Wiesbaden Stolperstein documentation.

Personalization and the Power of Place

Unlike centralized monuments, Stolpersteine are hyper-local, placed at the victim’s last chosen address. This approach:

Restores Individuality: Each stone is dedicated to a single person, reversing the dehumanization of mass murder by restoring names, dates, and sometimes relationships.
Invites Daily Engagement: The stones are encountered during daily routines, making remembrance an ongoing, active process.
Encourages Community Involvement: The research, funding, and installation of Stolpersteine often involve local schools, residents, and descendants, fostering dialogue and education (Holocaust Educational Trust UK).

Cultural and Educational Impact

The Stolperstein project is a catalyst for education and social reflection. In Wiesbaden, installation and maintenance frequently involve collaboration with local historians, schools, and civic organizations. This participatory process:

Promotes Historical Research: Each stone requires careful documentation, often uncovering forgotten histories.
Supports Holocaust Education: School projects and guided tours use Stolpersteine to spark broader discussions on the Holocaust, antisemitism, and civil courage.
Sustains Public Discourse: Their presence in public spaces invites ongoing conversations about memory, responsibility, and the dangers of forgetting (Holocaust Educational Trust UK).

Wiesbaden’s official Stolperstein list, updated as of April 2021, documents hundreds of stones commemorating unique stories (Stolpersteinliste Wiesbaden PDF).

Controversies and Ethical Considerations

While over 75,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across Europe, the project has sparked debate. Some critics, including certain Jewish community members and city officials in places like Munich, object to memorials being placed on the ground, where they might be stepped on. However, many cities—including Wiesbaden—embrace the Stolperstein project, viewing “stumbling” as a metaphor for confronting uncomfortable truths and integrating remembrance into daily life (Holocaust Educational Trust UK).

Integrating Stolpersteine into Wiesbaden’s Urban Landscape

Wiesbaden actively supports the Stolperstein project:

Mapping and Documentation: The city maintains up-to-date lists and maps of Stolpersteine, making it easy for visitors to locate specific stones, such as Sophie Morgenthau’s (Stolpersteinliste Wiesbaden PDF).
Educational Initiatives: Projects like “Sprechende Stolpersteine” use digital media and QR codes to provide additional information (vhs Wiesbaden).
Community Events: Annual commemorations, guided walks, and school projects keep Stolpersteine active sites of memory.

The Stolperstein for Sophie Morgenthau is one of nearly 700 stones at over 300 locations throughout Wiesbaden (am-spiegelgasse.de).

Practical Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours: Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and can be visited at any time, year-round.
Tickets: No tickets or entrance fees are required.
Accessibility: Most Stolpersteine are installed flush with the pavement and are accessible to wheelchair users, though some older sidewalks may be uneven.
Location: Use the Stolperstein map or ask at the Wiesbaden Tourist Information Center for the precise address.
Public Transport: Wiesbaden’s city center is pedestrian-friendly and well-connected by public transportation. Most Stolpersteine are within walking distance of bus and tram stops.

Visitor Tips and Responsible Engagement

Finding the Stone: Consult official maps or the tourist information center for Sophie Morgenthau’s Stolperstein location.
When to Visit: Stolpersteine can be visited year-round. Remembrance days such as January 27 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) and November 9 (Kristallnacht anniversary) offer special significance.
How to Engage: Bring a soft cloth to gently clean the brass plaque—a common act of remembrance. Pause to read the inscription and reflect. Leave a small stone or flower as a sign of respect.
Photography: Discreet photography is allowed. Please respect the solemn nature of the site and the privacy of local residents.
Guided Tours: Wiesbaden offers guided Stolperstein walks and educational tours. Check schedules at the tourist information center or Stolpersteine Wiesbaden.
Digital Tools: Use the Stolpersteine App for interactive maps, biographies, and multimedia content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need tickets to visit Sophie Morgenthau’s Stolperstein?
A: No. Stolpersteine are publicly accessible at all times and do not require tickets.

Q: Where is the Stolperstein located?
A: In front of Sophie Morgenthau’s last freely chosen residence in Wiesbaden. Exact location details are available via the Stolperstein map or the tourist information center.

Q: Are Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most are installed flush with the pavement and are accessible, but some sidewalks may be uneven.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, but please do so respectfully.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided Stolperstein walks are available through Wiesbaden’s archives and historical societies.

Q: How can I participate in remembrance activities?
A: Local groups welcome visitors to join regular cleaning and memorial events. Information is available on the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden website.

Enhance your understanding of Wiesbaden’s Jewish history by visiting:

Wiesbaden Synagogue Memorial
Jewish Cemetery
Museum Wiesbaden (exhibitions on local history and the Holocaust)

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein dedicated to Sophie Morgenthau stands as a moving, accessible memorial that reconnects individual memory with Wiesbaden’s urban landscape. It challenges visitors to engage with history on a personal level while honoring the broader narrative of Wiesbaden’s Jewish community. By visiting, participating in remembrance activities, and using digital resources, you help keep these memories alive.

Plan your visit using the resources provided, respect the site’s significance, and consider supporting the Stolperstein project. Stay informed about events and new installations by following Wiesbaden Heritage and Stolpersteine initiatives on social media and through their official websites.

For more information and to plan your visit, please consult the Wiesbaden Heritage and Stolpersteine Wiesbaden websites, and consider downloading the Audiola app for immersive audio guides.