Stolperstein Dedicated To František Skorkovský

Stolperstein František Skorkovský in Brno: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to František Skorkovský in Brno, Czech Republic, offers visitors a profound opportunity to engage with the city’s history of resistance, persecution, and remembrance from the era of Nazi occupation. As part of the world’s largest decentralized memorial, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig, Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small brass plaques set into pavements, marking the last freely chosen residence or workplace of victims of Nazi persecution. Skorkovský’s memorial is more than a personal tribute—it stands as a symbol of Czech student resistance and intellectual sacrifice during World War II, inviting reflection on the enduring values of freedom and resilience.

This comprehensive guide details the story of František Skorkovský, the significance of his Stolperstein, practical visitor information, and recommendations for exploring Brno’s rich historical landscape. For further details, official resources such as the Brno City Encyclopedia and Brno Tourist Information provide additional insights and updates.

Introduction
The Stolpersteine Project: Context and Mission
František Skorkovský: Life and Legacy
Location and How to Visit
Practical Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Accessibility)
Rituals, Remembrance, and Community Involvement
Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Further Resources and Reading
Conclusion

The Stolpersteine Project: Context and Mission

The Stolpersteine project, launched by Gunter Demnig in 1992, aims to personalize the memory of victims of Nazi persecution across Europe. Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass-plated concrete cube inscribed with the name and fate of an individual victim and placed at their last freely chosen residence or workplace. As of 2025, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in over 1,800 cities, making the project the largest decentralized memorial in the world (Wikipedia).

In the Czech Republic, the Stolpersteine initiative began in 2008 and has since expanded, with Brno participating as part of a European-wide effort to preserve Holocaust memory and confront the legacy of Nazi occupation (Wikipedia, Encyklopedie města Brna).

František Skorkovský: Life and Legacy

František Skorkovský (1909–1939) was a Czech lawyer, student leader, and chairman of the Czechoslovak Academic Association of Lawyers. He was a prominent figure in the Czech student movement and played a pivotal role in organizing resistance against Nazi repression. Skorkovský was arrested in 1939 during student protests against the Nazi occupation and was executed in Prague-Ruzyně on November 17, 1939—a date now commemorated worldwide as International Students’ Day in memory of the students and educators who perished in the Nazi crackdown (Encyklopedie města Brna).

The Stolperstein for František Skorkovský was installed on September 17, 2014, at his last freely chosen address in Brno, serving as a lasting memorial to his courage and sacrifice. The inscription reads:

František Skorkovský
1909–1939
starosta ČSL. akad. spolku právníků
zastřelen v Praze při studentských bouřích
Čest jeho památce!

(Translation: František Skorkovský, 1909–1939, chairman of the Czechoslovak Academic Association of Lawyers, shot in Prague during student protests. Honor his memory!)

Location and How to Visit

Stolperstein Address and Setting

Address: Skorkovského 15/01, Židenice, Brno, Czech Republic (Brno City Encyclopedia)
Placement: The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk at the entrance to the building, marking Skorkovský’s last freely chosen residence.
District: Židenice, a residential neighborhood east of Brno’s city center. The street is named after Skorkovský, further honoring his legacy.

Getting There

Public Transport: Accessible via Brno’s tram and bus network. The nearest tram stops are “Juliánov” and “Stará Osada,” each a short walk from Skorkovského Street (Brno Tourist Information).
By Car: Limited street parking is available, but public transport is recommended due to the central location.

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: The Stolperstein is outdoors and accessible at all times, year-round.
Admission: No ticket or entrance fee is required; the site is open to the public free of charge.

Accessibility

The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement, making it accessible for visitors with mobility impairments, though some unevenness in the sidewalk may be present.
The inscription is in Czech; non-Czech speakers may wish to use a translation app or bring a guide.

Visitor Tips and Etiquette

Best Time to Visit: Daytime visits are recommended for clear visibility. Commemorative events on November 17 (International Students’ Day) and January 27 (Holocaust Remembrance Day) offer particularly meaningful experiences.
Respectful Conduct: Pause to read the inscription, and if you wish, leave a stone, flower, or candle as a tribute. Avoid blocking the sidewalk or disturbing residents.
Maintenance: Visitors are welcome to gently clean the brass plaque with a soft cloth to help preserve its legibility (Wikipedia).
Photography: Discreet photography is allowed. Early morning or late afternoon (“golden hour”) provides the best natural light.

Rituals, Remembrance, and Community Involvement

Installation and Commemoration

The installation of Skorkovský’s Stolperstein in 2014 was marked by a public ceremony involving local officials, residents, and historians. Such events foster community solidarity and a sense of shared remembrance (Encyklopedie města Brna).

Ongoing Care and Education

Local volunteers and civic organizations periodically clean and maintain the Stolpersteine, symbolizing an ongoing commitment to memory. Educational outreach includes school projects, guided tours, and exhibitions that deepen public understanding of Brno’s wartime history.

Integration with Urban Life

Stolpersteine are unique in their integration into everyday spaces. Encountering these memorials during a walk transforms the act of remembrance into a daily, lived experience for locals and visitors alike (viewfromprague.com).

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

While visiting Skorkovský’s Stolperstein, consider exploring these significant Brno sites to enrich your historical journey:

Brno Orthodox Synagogue: A symbol of the city’s Jewish heritage, open for guided tours (Jewish Community of Brno).
Brno Jewish Cemetery: Reflects centuries of Jewish presence and tradition; open daily.
Špilberk Castle: Offers panoramic views and historical exhibits.
Freedom Square (Náměstí Svobody): The vibrant city center.
Janáček Theatre: A cultural landmark.

Many of these sites are within walking distance or easily accessible by public transport. For a deeper experience, guided walking tours are available through local agencies and cultural centers such as Brusinka Multicultural Center.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required to visit the Stolperstein?
A: No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial accessible at all times without charge.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local cultural organizations offer guided tours that include Stolpersteine; check with Brno Tourist Information or Brusinka Multicultural Center for details.

Q: Can I clean the Stolperstein?
A: Yes, visitors are encouraged to gently clean the plaque with a soft cloth to maintain its visibility.

Q: Are there commemorative events?
A: Annual events on November 17 (International Students’ Day) and January 27 (Holocaust Remembrance Day) often include ceremonies at Stolpersteine sites.

Q: Are there other Stolpersteine in Brno?
A: Yes, multiple Stolpersteine are located throughout Brno, each dedicated to a different victim of Nazi persecution (Encyklopedie města Brna).

Further Resources and Reading

Conclusion

The Stolperstein dedicated to František Skorkovský is not only a site of remembrance but also a catalyst for reflection on the values of resistance, freedom, and human dignity. By visiting this humble memorial, you participate in a living tradition of honoring those lost to intolerance and totalitarianism. Combine your visit with Brno’s other historical and cultural sites for a comprehensive and moving exploration of the city’s past and present.

For the most current information, consult the Brno City Encyclopedia and the official Brno tourist website. Enhance your visit with guided tours, and consider downloading the Audiala app for curated audio experiences.

Images (suggested):

Stolperstein of František Skorkovský at Skorkovského 15/01, Brno (alt text: František Skorkovský Stolperstein memorial in Brno)
Map of Brno-Židenice indicating the location of the Stolperstein

Internal links: