Stolperstein memorial plaque dedicated to Vladimír Groh in Brno, Czechia

Stolperstein Dedicated To Vladimír Groh

Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Vladimír Groh in Brno, Czechia – Complete Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein project, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, is recognized as the world’s largest decentralized memorial to victims of Nazi persecution. These small, brass plaques—known as Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones”—are set into urban pavements across Europe, marking the last chosen residences or workplaces of those persecuted by the Nazis. As of 2025, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in over 30 countries, turning anonymous statistics into personal stories and weaving memory into the very fabric of daily life (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in Brno).

In the Czech Republic, and especially in Brno, these memorials—locally known as “Kameny zmizelých” (“stones of the disappeared”)—honor Jewish victims, resistance fighters, academics, and ordinary citizens. Among the most significant is the Stolperstein dedicated to Vladimír Groh, a respected academic and resistance leader executed in 1941. This guide offers detailed historical context, practical visiting information, and cultural insights for those seeking to honor Groh’s memory and engage with Brno’s wartime heritage (Impuls.cz; Masaryk University; Prague Views; Encyklopedie dějin Brna).

What Are Stolpersteine?
History and Expansion of the Stolpersteine Project
Stolpersteine in Brno: Local Context
Vladimír Groh: Life and Legacy
Visiting the Stolperstein for Vladimír Groh
Cultural Significance and Community Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References and Further Reading

What Are Stolpersteine?

Stolpersteine are small brass-plated cobblestones (10 x 10 cm) set flush with sidewalks throughout Europe to commemorate individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime. Each stone bears the name, birth date, fate, and, if known, death date of the victim, and is placed in front of the last chosen residence or workplace. The project’s guiding principle is to ensure that “a person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten,” restoring dignity and personal memory to each victim (Stolpersteine.eu; Prague Views).

History and Expansion of the Stolpersteine Project

Gunter Demnig placed the first Stolperstein in Cologne, Germany, in December 1992. The project has since expanded across Europe, commemorating not only Jewish victims but also Roma, Sinti, political prisoners, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled persons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others persecuted by the Nazis. In the Czech Republic, the first Stolpersteine were installed in 2008, with Brno’s installations beginning in the 2010s—often with Demnig’s personal involvement (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in Brno).

Stolpersteine in Brno: Local Context

Brno’s Stolpersteine—“Kameny zmizelých”—form a decentralized mosaic of remembrance across the city. These stones commemorate a diverse group of local victims, including resistance members, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens. The project is supported by local organizations, volunteers, and descendants, integrating remembrance into daily urban life and educational activities (Encyklopedie dějin Brna).

Vladimír Groh: Life and Legacy

Academic and Civic Contribution

Vladimír Groh (1895–1941) was a distinguished classical philologist and historian, serving as a professor and later dean of the Faculty of Arts at Masaryk University. His scholarly work included translations of classical texts and interdisciplinary teaching methods (Masaryk University).

Resistance and Martyrdom

Groh was deeply involved in the Czech Sokol movement and played a leading role in the resistance organizations Obrana národa and Petiční výbor Věrni zůstaneme. Arrested by the Gestapo in February 1941, he was executed at the Kounic Halls in Brno on September 30, 1941, as part of the Nazi reprisals following Reinhard Heydrich’s appointment as Reich Protector (Impuls.cz; Wikipedia; Brno-střed).

Memorializations

Groh is commemorated by a Stolperstein, a bronze plaque (unveiled in 2021), and by the renaming of Grohova Street in his honor. His memory is also preserved at Masaryk University and in his birthplace, Holešov (Encyklopedie dějin Brna).

Visiting the Stolperstein for Vladimír Groh

Location and Access

Address: Grohova Street (intersection with Arna Nováka), Brno, Czechia
Nearest Landmark: Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University
Map: Interactive Map

The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk near the entrance to the Faculty of Arts, making it easily accessible on foot or by public transport (Go To Brno; Mapcarta).

Practical Information

Visiting Hours: 24/7, year-round; no admission fees.
Accessibility: The site is at street level and suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Etiquette: Pause to read the inscription, reflect, and consider participating in the custom of cleaning the stone on remembrance days.
Photography: Discreet photography is permitted; be mindful of the memorial’s solemnity.

Guided Tours and Events

Local organizations and tour companies offer guided walks focusing on Brno’s WWII and resistance history, often including Stolpersteine and related memorials. Check with the Brno Tourist Information Center for current schedules (Tourismato).

Commemorative events, such as ceremonies on the anniversary of Groh’s execution (September 30) or Holocaust Remembrance Day, are held annually and open to the public (Impuls.cz).

Nearby Memorials and Sites

Kounic Halls: Gestapo prison and site of Nazi executions, including Groh’s.
Masaryk University: Where Groh taught and served as dean.
Špilberk Castle and Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul: Major historical sites within walking distance.

Cultural Significance and Community Engagement

The Stolperstein for Vladimír Groh stands as a testament to intellectual resistance and the defense of democratic values under totalitarianism. Its placement in a public sidewalk ensures that memory is not confined to museums but is encountered in daily routines. Community initiatives—including educational programs, guided walks, and remembrance events—help keep Groh’s legacy and the broader lessons of history alive (Prague Views; Encyklopedie dějin Brna).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Stolperstein for Vladimír Groh located?
A: At the intersection of Grohova and Arna Nováka Streets, near the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University (Mapcarta).

Q: When can I visit the Stolperstein?
A: The memorial is accessible 24/7, year-round.

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

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Guided tours of Brno’s wartime sites often include the Stolpersteine—check with the local tourist information center.

Q: What is the significance of the Stolperstein project?
A: Stolpersteine personalize history by embedding individual stories into public spaces, fostering collective memory and vigilance against intolerance (Stolpersteine.eu).

References and Further Reading

Final Tips for a Meaningful Visit

Prepare: Read about Vladimír Groh and the Stolpersteine project before your visit.
Engage: Consider joining guided tours or commemoration events for deeper insight.
Reflect: Take a moment at the stone—remembrance is an active, ongoing process.
Connect: Share your experience thoughtfully, supporting the work of remembrance in Brno and beyond.

For interactive maps, audio guides, and updates on commemorative events, download the Audiala app or follow Brno’s cultural institutions on social media.

By visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Vladimír Groh, you engage with a living memorial—one that honors individual courage, sustains collective memory, and reminds us all of the cost of freedom.