Stolperstein dedicated to Alice Salomon in Mainz Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Alice Salomon Geb. Lazard

Stolperstein Alice Salomon Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) dedicated to Alice Salomon (geb. Lazard) in Mainz, Germany, offer a profound opportunity to connect with the city’s history and commemorate those persecuted during the Nazi era. Conceived by artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, the Stolpersteine project is now the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 60,000 stones across nearly 30 countries as of 2024. In Mainz—a city with deep Jewish roots—hundreds of these brass plaques, including the one honoring Alice Salomon and her family, serve as a daily reminder of resilience, tragedy, and the enduring need for remembrance (folklife.si.edu; stolpersteine-mainz.de).

This guide provides all essential information for planning a meaningful visit to the Stolperstein for Alice Salomon: historical context, location, accessibility, visiting hours, etiquette, practical tips, and connections to the broader cultural landscape of Mainz. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student, or a traveler seeking to engage respectfully with Germany’s past, this comprehensive resource will help you make the most of your experience (mainz.de; danares.wordpress.com).

Introduction
Historical Background: Alice Salomon and the Stolpersteine Project
Cultural and Memorial Significance
Location and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Visiting Experience and Etiquette
Practical Tips for Visitors
Community Involvement and Controversies
Educational Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations
Source Links and Further Reading

Historical Background: Alice Salomon and the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine initiative, launched by Gunter Demnig in 1992, memorializes victims of Nazi persecution. Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass plaque embedded in the pavement in front of a victim’s last freely chosen residence, inscribed with their name, birthdate, fate, and, when known, date and place of death (folklife.si.edu).

Alice Salomon (née Lazard) was married to Eugen Salomon, a co-founder of the football club 1. FSV Mainz 05, and lived with her family on Boppstraße in Mainz’s Neustadt district—a neighborhood with a historically vibrant Jewish community. In 1942, Eugen Salomon was deported and murdered in Auschwitz, while Alice and her sons, Alfred and Erwin, survived by escaping to France (danares.wordpress.com). The Stolpersteine for the Salomon family, including Alice, were installed outside their former residence, honoring both their suffering and resilience.

Mainz has embraced the Stolpersteine project since 2007. As of May 2025, 351 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle (threshold stone) have been laid across the city, commemorating the rich Jewish heritage and tragic losses during the Holocaust (mainz.de).

Cultural and Memorial Significance

Stolpersteine transform collective memory into deeply personal stories. The act of “stumbling” over these stones in daily life is intended both literally and metaphorically, prompting passersby to pause and remember individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered by Nazi persecution. The project is widely regarded as a democratized form of remembrance—decentralized, accessible, and intimately woven into urban life.

In Mainz, the stones foster ongoing reflection and dialogue about the city’s Jewish past, the Holocaust, and the vital importance of defending tolerance and diversity. The placement of each stone invites silent contemplation and a sense of humility, as visitors must often stoop to read the memorials (folklife.si.edu).

Location and Accessibility

Stolperstein for Alice Salomon

Address: Boppstraße, Neustadt district, Mainz
How to find it: The exact location is documented in the Stolpersteine Mainz directory.
Getting there: Boppstraße is easily accessible by public transport, with tram and bus connections from Mainz Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and city center. The area is pedestrian-friendly and suitable for walking or cycling.
Accessibility: The Stolperstein is embedded flush with the sidewalk and is accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Stolpersteine are public memorials and can be visited at any time, day or night, year-round.

Admission: Free
Tickets: None required
Best visiting hours: Daytime is recommended for safety and visibility.

Guided walking tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Jewish history in Mainz are available through local organizations. These tours may require advance booking and are typically scheduled during the day (STR Specialist: Mainz Tours).

Visiting Experience and Etiquette

Visiting a Stolperstein is an act of personal remembrance. The stones blend into the sidewalk until noticed, prompting reflection on the individual named.

Traditions: Some visitors polish the brass plaques or place small stones or flowers nearby, following Jewish mourning customs.
Photography: Permitted—please be discreet and respectful of residents and the solemn nature of the memorial.
Community events: Local groups often organize cleaning and remembrance activities, especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9) (folklife.si.edu).

Practical Tips for Visitors

Duration: 10–20 minutes is sufficient for reflection.
Language: Inscriptions are in German; English translations and contextual information are available online (Stolpersteine Mainz website).
Combine your visit: Pair your Stolperstein visit with nearby sites such as the Old Jewish Cemetery (Am Judensand), Gutenberg Museum, Mainz Cathedral, and additional Stolpersteine throughout Neustadt and Altstadt.
Self-guided tours: Maps and digital apps are available from Mainz’s tourism office and online (mainz.de).
Guided tours: Organizations like Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e.V. offer guided walks with expert commentary.

Community Involvement and Controversies

Each Stolperstein is sponsored by individuals, families, or organizations, covering research and installation costs (about €120 per stone). Community involvement is strong in Mainz, with local residents taking part in cleaning and remembrance events.

Some opposition to the project exists, mainly concerning the placement of memorial names underfoot. While cities like Munich have restricted Stolpersteine to private properties or alternative memorials, Mainz continues to support and expand its Stolpersteine installations (folklife.si.edu).

Educational Resources

The Stolperstein for Alice Salomon is a gateway to learning about the Holocaust, Jewish heritage in Mainz, and the modern importance of remembrance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are tickets required to visit the Stolperstein for Alice Salomon?
A: No. All Stolpersteine are in public spaces and free to visit at any time.

Q: What are the best hours to visit?
A: Daytime is best for visibility and safety, but the site is accessible 24/7.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the Stolperstein is located on a sidewalk suitable for wheelchairs.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes. Please be mindful of the privacy of current residents and the dignity of the memorial.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided Stolperstein walks are offered by local organizations. Check Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e.V. for details.

Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations

The Stolperstein for Alice Salomon (geb. Lazard) in Mainz stands as a powerful memorial, merging personal stories with the city’s urban fabric. By visiting, you not only honor the Salomon family and the broader Jewish community but also participate in the vital act of remembrance that underpins efforts to prevent future atrocities.

Accessible 24/7 and free to all, this site offers a contemplative experience enhanced by guided tours, educational materials, and community involvement. Visitors are encouraged to approach with respect, join in maintenance traditions, and explore nearby cultural landmarks. For further engagement, use Mainz’s official resources or specialized apps like Audiala for guided tours and event updates.