Stolperstein Dedicated to Berthold Oppenheim

Introduction

Brno, the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, is a place shaped by its multicultural past and the tragedy of the Holocaust. Among the city’s most poignant memorials are the Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones”—brass plaques embedded in the sidewalks—each commemorating an individual victim of Nazi persecution. The Stolperstein dedicated to Berthold Oppenheim at Bratislavská 67 stands as a symbol of remembrance, integrating the memory of Holocaust victims into the fabric of everyday life. This guide explores the origins, meaning, and practicalities of visiting the Stolperstein for Berthold Oppenheim and other memorials in Brno, offering historical context, visitor tips, and ways to engage respectfully with this living monument (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia: Stolperstein).

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Philosophy

The Stolpersteine project, conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, is the largest decentralized memorial in the world. Each Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) is a small, hand-engraved brass plaque installed in the pavement in front of the victim’s last freely chosen residence or workplace. The project’s aim is to commemorate individuals—Jews, Roma, Sinti, political prisoners, LGBTQ+ people, and others—who were persecuted or murdered by the Nazis. As of 2025, more than 116,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across 31 European countries (Stolpersteine.eu).

The name “Stolperstein” is both literal and metaphorical: passersby may “stumble upon” these stones, prompting a moment of reflection as they bow their heads to read the inscription—a quiet act of remembrance in the midst of daily life (Wikipedia: Stolperstein).

Stolpersteine in Brno: Local Context and Expansion

Brno’s Stolpersteine—locally known as “Kameny zmizelých” (stones of the disappeared)—began appearing in 2011, following the project’s Czech debut in Prague in 2008. The initiative has since expanded city-wide, with stones honoring individuals and families at their last known residences (Encyklopedie Brna; Brno Jewish Community). Each installation is the result of extensive research by historians, community members, and sometimes descendants of the victims.

The project’s local significance is amplified by Brno’s once-vibrant Jewish community, which suffered devastating losses during World War II. Stolpersteine serve as enduring reminders of those lives and stories, restoring their memory to the city’s streets and neighborhoods (Traces of War: Stolpersteine Bratislavská 246/67).

The Oppenheim Family at Bratislavská 67

The Stolpersteine at Bratislavská 67 honor Berthold Oppenheim (born 1878), his wife Martha (born 1896), and their daughter Margit (born 1934), all of whom were murdered in Auschwitz after being deported from Brno (Encyklopedie Brna). The plaques are installed in front of their last freely chosen home, a quiet testament to their existence and the fate they suffered. The inscription for Berthold Oppenheim reads:

“Here lived Berthold Oppenheim, born 1878, deported 1942 to Terezín, murdered in Auschwitz.”

These stones not only mark the site of loss but also serve as a daily invitation to remember and honor individual victims of the Holocaust.

Artistic and Social Impact

Stolpersteine are a form of “social sculpture,” involving collaboration among artists, historians, communities, and descendants. Each plaque restores individuality and dignity to victims, countering the anonymity imposed by mass murder. The decentralized placement in public spaces makes remembrance an organic part of city life (Stolpersteine.eu; Brno Jewish Community).

While some cities have debated the appropriateness of placing memorials in pavements, supporters argue that the vulnerability and visibility of the stones reinforce the importance of memory. Ritual cleaning and ceremonies further strengthen community engagement and intergenerational dialogue.

Visiting Information: Locations, Hours, and Accessibility

Location and Directions

• Address: Bratislavská 67, Brno, Czechia (GPS: 49.200474, 16.623452)
• Located in a central, residential neighborhood within easy reach of Brno’s Old Town.
• Accessible by tram, bus, or on foot; consult Google Maps or the Brno Tourist Information Centre for navigation.

Hours and Admission

• Access: The Stolpersteine are in public sidewalks and are accessible 24/7, free of charge.
• Tickets: No tickets or reservations are required.

Guided Tours and Events

• Guided walking tours focused on Jewish heritage and the Stolpersteine are available through local providers and the Brno Tourist Information Centre. These tours provide deeper historical context and often include other significant sites.
• Special ceremonies—such as installations or Holocaust Remembrance Day events—are occasionally held and open to the public (Brno Jewish Community; Encyklopedie Brna).

Best Time to Visit

• Season: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for walking and sightseeing.
• Events: Visiting during commemorative periods can provide enhanced educational opportunities and meaningful experiences.

Accessibility

• Stolpersteine are at ground level, embedded in generally even sidewalks. Most locations are wheelchair accessible, though some pavements may have minor irregularities.

Memorial Etiquette

• Pause and Reflect: Take time to read the inscription and consider the story it represents.
• Respectful Presence: Avoid stepping directly on the brass plaques.
• Symbolic Gestures: In Jewish tradition, placing a small stone or flower by the memorial is a sign of remembrance.
• Photography: Discreet photography is permitted. Always respect the privacy of local residents.

Nearby Historical Sites and Extended Visits

To further explore Brno’s Jewish history and broader cultural context, consider visiting:

• Brno Synagogue and Jewish Quarter
• Brno Jewish Cemetery
• Špilberk Castle
• Moravian Museum Holocaust Exhibits
• Other Stolpersteine throughout the city

Combining these sites with your visit to the Oppenheim Stolperstein offers a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the city’s past (Brno Jewish Community; Creative Lena).

Community Involvement and Education

The Stolpersteine project thrives on local engagement. In Brno, schools, volunteers, and organizations help research, install, and maintain the stones. Educational programs and festivals, such as the ŠTETL Festival of Jewish Culture, incorporate the Stolpersteine into broader efforts to foster tolerance, memory, and civic responsibility (brnodaily.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Stolperstein for Berthold Oppenheim located?
A: At Bratislavská 67, Brno, embedded in the sidewalk in front of the entrance.

Q: Do I need a ticket or reservation to visit?
A: No. Stolpersteine are public memorials accessible at any time, free of charge.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Local providers and the Brno Tourist Information Centre offer Jewish heritage tours that include Stolpersteine.

Q: Is the site accessible to wheelchair users?
A: Most Stolpersteine locations, including Bratislavská 67, are accessible, though minor sidewalk irregularities may exist.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please be respectful of the site and local residents.

Q: How can I participate in ceremonies or help maintain the Stolpersteine?
A: Community events are announced by the Brno Jewish Community and local organizations. Volunteers are often welcome for cleaning and commemorative activities.

Discover More

Visiting the Stolperstein for Berthold Oppenheim and other memorials in Brno is a meaningful way to honor the city’s lost residents and engage with its complex history. These stones—integrated into the city’s sidewalks—restore dignity to victims, challenge us to remember, and invite ongoing reflection. By visiting, participating in tours, or simply pausing to read an inscription, you help keep memory alive and support the ongoing work of remembrance and education.

For an enriched experience, consider using the Audiala app for guided audio tours, and connect with local organizations for updates on new installations and commemorative events. Your presence and attention contribute to a culture of remembrance, tolerance, and dignity in Brno and beyond.