stolperstein dedicated to karel tomes in brno czech republic

Stolperstein Dedicated To Karel Tomeš

Stolperstein Karel Tomeš Brno: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Karel Tomeš in Brno offers a meaningful and personal connection to the city’s complex history and its remembrance of Holocaust victims. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones”—are a Europe-wide memorial project initiated in 1992 by artist Gunter Demnig. These small brass plaques are embedded in sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of individuals persecuted by the Nazis. The Stolperstein for Karel Tomeš honors a former mayor of Brno, a resistance leader, and a victim of Nazi oppression who died in Dachau concentration camp in 1945 (stolpersteine.eu; encyklopedie.brna.cz).

This guide provides comprehensive information on Karel Tomeš’s historical significance, the Stolperstein project in Brno, practical visiting details, accessibility, and suggestions for exploring related historical and cultural sites. Whether you are exploring independently or with a group, this resource will deepen your understanding of Brno’s commitment to remembrance and the importance of individual stories within European history (funinprague.eu; brno-stred.cz).

Introduction
Historical Background of Karel Tomeš
Early Life and Career
Tenure as Mayor of Brno
World War II and Resistance
The Stolperstein Project in Brno
The Stolperstein for Karel Tomeš: Location and Description
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Guided Tours, Nearby Attractions, and Suggested Itinerary
Cultural and Community Significance
Annual Events and Educational Impact
FAQ
Conclusion and Resources

Historical Background of Karel Tomeš

Early Life and Career

Karel Tomeš was born in 1877 in Helvíkovice. He moved to Brno as a child and quickly became an influential public servant, first working as an accountant for the Moravian Provincial Committee and later joining the Brno city council in 1924 (encyklopedie.brna.cz).

Mayor of Brno (1925–1935)

From 1925 to 1935, Tomeš guided Brno through a decade of modernization during the First Czechoslovak Republic. His leadership was marked by progressive urban development, including city planning competitions, major infrastructure projects, and the transformation of key civic buildings (egeon.cz; brno.cz).

World War II and Resistance

After the Nazi occupation, Tomeš joined the Obrana národa resistance group. Arrested by the Gestapo in 1940, he was imprisoned in several locations, including Kounic Halls, and ultimately deported to Dachau, where he died of typhus in January 1945 (encyklopedie.brna.cz; cs.wikipedia.org).

The Stolperstein Project and Its Significance in Brno

Stolpersteine are small, brass-plated cobblestones bearing the names and fates of Holocaust victims and others persecuted by the Nazi regime. Each stone is placed in front of the victim’s last freely chosen address (stolpersteine.eu). The project has grown into the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 88,000 stones across Europe as of 2025 (funinprague.eu; Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in the Czech Republic). In Brno, Stolpersteine commemorate not only Jewish victims but also resistance fighters and other persecuted groups. The project personalizes history, integrating remembrance into the everyday urban landscape (brno-stred.cz).

The Stolperstein for Karel Tomeš: Location and Description

The Stolperstein for Karel Tomeš is located at Tomešova 6, in the Staré Brno district (roksmireni.cz). This address was his residence and is the site of the architecturally significant Tomešova Vila, designed by Oskar Poříska in 1927–1928 (bam.brno.cz). The villa is a landmark of functionalist architecture featuring a rectilinear structure, rhombus-shaped windows, and a large terrace overlooking Brno.

The Stolperstein is embedded in the pavement directly in front of the villa’s entrance. The Czech inscription reads:

ZDE ŽIL
KAREL TOMEŠ
NAR. 1877
ZATČEN 1940
DEPORTOVÁN DO DACHAU
ZAVRAŽDĚN 1945

Translated:

HERE LIVED
KAREL TOMEŠ
BORN 1877
ARRESTED 1940
DEPORTED TO DACHAU
MURDERED 1945

The stone was ceremonially installed on September 10, 2015, as part of a city-wide event commemorating Brno’s resistance community (brno-stred.cz).

Visiting Information

Hours and Tickets

Accessibility: The Stolperstein is on a public sidewalk and can be visited at any time, free of charge.
Tickets: No tickets or reservations are needed.
Tomešova Vila: The villa is a private residence and not open for public tours, but its exterior can be viewed from the street (bam.brno.cz).

Getting There

Address: Tomešova 6, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
Public Transport:
- Trolleybus: Tvrdého stop (lines 25, 26, 35, 38, 39)
- Tram: Úvoz stop (line 4)
Accessibility: The area is pedestrian-friendly and accessible to wheelchair users.

Guided Tours, Nearby Attractions, and Suggested Itinerary

Guided Tours: Several local organizations and tour operators offer guided walking tours that include Stolpersteine locations and other Jewish heritage sites (funinprague.eu).
Nearby Attractions:
- Villa Tugendhat: UNESCO-listed modernist villa open to visitors with guided tours.
- Špilberk Castle: Historic fortress offering exhibitions and panoramic city views.
- Brno City Center: Architectural highlights from the early 20th century.
Suggested Itinerary: Combine your visit to the Stolperstein with a walk along Brno’s architectural trails and stops at nearby historical sites (gpsmycity.com).

Cultural and Community Significance

The Stolperstein for Karel Tomeš is a personal and public memorial, inviting reflection on Brno’s past and the impact of totalitarianism. Its placement in front of his villa connects history, architecture, and remembrance. The ongoing installation and care of Stolpersteine in Brno is supported by local organizations, fostering education and community engagement (roksmireni.cz; stolpersteinecz.cz).

Annual Events and Educational Impact

Ceremonies for new Stolpersteine installations are often attended by city officials, local organizations, and relatives of the commemorated individuals. Brno also hosts community cleaning events—especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day—where volunteers maintain the memorials.

Stolpersteine serve as educational tools in Brno’s schools and community programs, prompting discussions about history, tolerance, and human rights (Holocaust Remembrance: Czech Republic).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Karel Tomeš Stolperstein?
A: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7 on a public sidewalk.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, visiting is free of charge.

Q: How do I reach the Stolperstein using public transport?
A: Take trolleybus lines 25, 26, 35, 38, or 39 to Tvrdého stop, or tram line 4 to Úvoz stop.

Q: Can I visit other historical sites nearby?
A: Yes, major sites include Špilberk Castle, Villa Tugendhat, and other Stolpersteine across Brno.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local tour providers offer walks that include the Stolperstein and related sites.

Q: Is the area accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the sidewalks are wheelchair accessible.

Q: How can I participate in remembrance events?
A: Watch for public ceremonies and cleaning events organized by local groups (stolpersteinecz.cz).

Conclusion

The Stolperstein dedicated to Karel Tomeš is a testament to his courage, leadership, and the tragic consequences of totalitarianism. As part of the broader Stolpersteine project, this memorial integrates remembrance into Brno’s urban fabric, inviting reflection, education, and community involvement. By visiting, you honor individual stories and contribute to a living act of remembrance.

For a richer experience, use digital tools like the Audiala app for guided audio tours and interactive maps. Stay informed about new installations and community events via official resources and social media. Through these efforts, the memory of Karel Tomeš and countless others continues to inspire dialogue and hope for a more just future.

Further Resources

Visuals: Include high-quality images of the Stolperstein for Karel Tomeš and the villa exterior, with descriptive alt text. Embed interactive maps and consider linking to virtual tours of related sites for further exploration.

Internal Links: Connect to related articles on Brno’s Jewish heritage, WWII history, and other remembrance initiatives to enhance site engagement.