Altstadt in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany — Central Europe
Magnus Hirschfeld
Photographed by James Hulse, February 19, 2026
1. Magnus Hirschfeld Marker
In diesem Haus wohnte während seiner Studienzeit der Arzt und Sexualwissenschaftler
(14. Mai 1868 in Kolberg - 14. Mai 1935 in Nizza)
der in Heidelberg 1890/1891 drei Semester Medizin studierte und hier die jüdische Studentenverbindung Badenia mitbegründete, die als Reaktion auf den zunehmenden Antisemitismus entstand. Magnus Hirschfeld setzte sich zeit seines Lebens für die Abschaffung des Paragraphen 175 StGB, der Homosexualität von Männern unter Strafe stellte, sowie die Entpathologisierung und Entkriminalisierung von queeren Menschen ein und gilt als Initiator der weltweit ersten Homosexuellenbewegung. 1919 gründete er das international erste Institut für Sexualwissenschaft in Berlin. Als Sexualaufklärer, prominentes Mitglied der Homosexuellenbewegung, Jude und aufgrund politischer Nähe zur Sozialdemokratie war er für die Nationalsozialisten ein besonderes Feindbild.
Er starb im französischen Exil und ist auf dem Friedhof La Caucade in Nizza begraben. Aufgrund seiner Lebensleistung wurde 2011 die Bundesstiftung Magnus Hirschfeld ins Leben
this page online
In this house lived, during his years of study, the physician and sexologist
(14 May 1868 in Kolberg – 14 May 1935 in Nice)
who studied medicine in Heidelberg for three semesters in 1890/1891 and here co-founded the Jewish student association Badenia, which emerged in response to growing antisemitism. Throughout his life, Magnus Hirschfeld campaigned for the repeal of Section 175 of the German Criminal Code, which criminalized sexual relations between men, as well as for the depathologization and decriminalization of queer people, and is regarded as the initiator of the world’s first homosexual rights movement. In 1919 he founded the world’s first Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin. As a sex educator, prominent member of the homosexual rights movement, Jew, and because of his political proximity to Social Democracy, he became a particular target of the National Socialists.
He died in exile in France and is buried at the La Caucade Cemetery in Nice. In recognition of his life’s work, the Magnus Hirschfeld Federal Foundation was established in 2011.
Erected 2024 by Stadt Heidelberg. (Marker Number 707.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1868.
Location.
Photographed by James Hulse, February 19, 2026
2. Magnus Hirschfeld Marker
The view of the marker along the wall of the building.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Johann Heinrich Voß (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. José Rizal (within shouting distance of this marker); Sophie Friederike Mereau (within shouting distance of this marker); Anna Blum (within shouting distance of this marker); Karl Jaspers (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Johann Kaspar Bluntschli (about 120 meters away); Nationalsozialisten Bücherverbrennung / National Socialist Book Burning (about 120 meters away); Alte Universität / Old University (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Heidelberg.
Additional keywords. LGBTQ
Photographed by James Hulse
3. Magnus Hirschfeld Marker
The view of the marker along the street. The marker is located on the right side of the street.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 55 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
