
Stolperstein Hugo Sonnenschein Brno: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
The Stolperstein dedicated to Hugo Sonnenschein in Brno, Czech Republic, provides a moving and educational experience that connects visitors to the personal histories of Holocaust victims and the city’s vibrant Jewish heritage. As part of the worldwide Stolpersteine project—initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992—these small brass-plated cobblestones commemorate individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime, transforming Brno’s streets into spaces of remembrance and reflection (Stolpersteine.eu).
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose
Stolpersteine, or “Stones of the Disappeared” (“Kameny zmizelých” in Czech), represent the world’s largest decentralized memorial, honoring Jews, Roma, political prisoners, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ people, and others persecuted by National Socialism. Each 10x10 cm stone is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, the place and date of death, and is placed outside their last freely chosen residence (Stolpersteine.eu, Wikipedia).
The Czech initiative began in 2008, led initially by the Czech Union of Jewish Youth, and was later revived in 2018 with support from the Jewish Community in Prague and other organizations (Stolpersteine.cz). Today, Stolpersteine can be found in numerous Czech cities, including Brno, serving as powerful reminders of individual stories amid the collective tragedy of the Holocaust (Encyklopedie dějin Brna).
Stolpersteine in Brno: Local Context and Community Engagement
Brno, the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, is home to over twenty Stolpersteine honoring local victims and families, including the renowned Löw-Beer and Tugendhat families, as well as Hugo Sonnenschein. These memorials are embedded in public sidewalks—often at the last freely chosen residence of the victim—and form part of the city’s broader commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education (Wikipedia).
Community organizations, schools, and local residents actively participate in maintaining the stones, organizing cleaning days, guided walks, and ceremonies—especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day and significant anniversaries (ivohammer.at).
Hugo Sonnenschein: Life, Legacy, and Memorialization
Hugo Sonnenschein was a prominent intellectual and member of Brno’s Jewish community. He began his career in 1925 with Radiojournal, becoming its director, and later joined the resistance group Obrana národa during the Nazi occupation. Arrested in 1939, Sonnenschein was imprisoned at Špilberk fortress and Kounicovy koleje before being deported to Berlin, where he was executed at Plötzensee Prison in 1942 (Wikipedia).
The Stolperstein in his name marks his last freely chosen residence and stands as an enduring testament to his courage and the suffering of his family—some of whom perished in Auschwitz—while others survived.
Practical Visitor Information
Location and Accessibility
- Location: Stolpersteine are scattered across Brno’s historical districts, with the one dedicated to Hugo Sonnenschein located at his last residence. Exact addresses are available via the official Stolpersteine Brno list and the Stolpersteine.cz interactive map.
- Accessibility: The stones are embedded in public sidewalks, generally accessible to wheelchair users, though some surfaces may be uneven.
Visiting Hours and Tickets
- Hours: Stolpersteine are public memorials available 24/7, all year round.
- Admission: No tickets or reservations are necessary; visiting is free of charge.
Guided Tours and Educational Programs
- Guided Tours: Local organizations and the Jewish Museum in Brno offer guided walks that include Stolpersteine sites. Advance booking is recommended for these enriching tours.
- Educational Programs: Schools and community groups regularly organize educational walks and cleaning events centered around the stones (Stolpersteine.cz).
Nearby Historical Sites
Enhance your visit by exploring:
- Špilberk Castle and Museum: Former WWII prison and current museum.
- Jewish Museum in Brno: Exhibits on Jewish life and history.
- Kounicovy koleje: Gestapo prison site, now accessible via guided tours.
- Villa Tugendhat: UNESCO World Heritage Site (ivohammer.at).
How to Get There
- Public Transport: Brno’s center is served by tram lines 1, 4, 9, and 11, with stops near Malinovského náměstí and other key locations.
- By Foot: The city center is walkable, and Stolpersteine are integrated into many historical walking routes.
- Parking: Available near major sites for visitors arriving by car.
Visiting Etiquette and Tips
- Pause and Reflect: Take time to read the inscription and reflect on the story commemorated.
- Photography: Discreet personal photography is permitted; professional photography requires prior approval.
- Cleaning Stones: Community cleaning days are held, especially on remembrance dates—participation is welcome.
- Respect: These are sites of memory; behave with the appropriate respect and sensitivity.
Cultural and Educational Significance
Stolpersteine in Brno serve as decentralized, everyday reminders of the Holocaust, inviting ongoing community engagement. Their presence fosters reflection on history, tolerance, and civic responsibility, ensuring the stories of individuals like Hugo Sonnenschein remain woven into the fabric of the city (ivohammer.at).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where can I find Stolpersteine in Brno?
A: Locations are listed on the official Stolpersteine Brno list and Stolpersteine.cz interactive map.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, visiting Stolpersteine is always free.
Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, the Jewish Museum and local organizations offer tours—check websites or the official Brno tourism website.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Year-round. Remembrance events are often held around Yom HaShoah (April/May) and victims’ anniversaries.
Q: Can I participate in community events?
A: Yes, cleaning days and remembrance ceremonies are open to the public. See Stolpersteine.cz for updates.
Summary and Visit Tips
Visiting the Stolperstein for Hugo Sonnenschein in Brno is a profound way to honor the memory of Holocaust victims, learn about the city’s Jewish heritage, and engage with local history. The memorial is easily accessible, free, and can be integrated into a broader exploration of Brno’s historical and cultural sites. Enhance your understanding by joining guided tours or educational events, and consider participating in community remembrance activities.
Additional Resources
- Stolpersteine.eu
- Stolpersteine.cz
- Official Brno Tourism Website
- Jewish Museum in Brno
- Encyklopedie dějin Brna
- ivohammer.at – Villa Tugendhat
- EuroJewCong News on Stolpersteine in Brno
- Traverse Events: Getting Around Brno
- Czech the World: Brno Weather and Attractions
References and Further Reading
- Visiting Stolpersteine in Brno: History, Significance, and Practical Visitor Information (Encyklopedie dějin Brna)
- Visiting Stolpersteine in Brno: History, Memorials, and Practical Visitor Information (Stolpersteine.cz)
- Hugo Sonnenschein Memorial in Brno: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance (ivohammer.at)
- Visiting the Stolperstein for Hugo Sonnenschein in Brno: Hours, Location & Historical Significance (Gotobrno.cz)
- Stolpersteine.eu – The Art Memorial (Stolpersteine.eu)