Visiting the Stolperstein for Bernhard Goldschmidt in Mainz, Germany
Guide dated 14/06/2025
The Stolperstein for Bernhard Goldschmidt is set into the pavement at Klarastraße 13 in Mainz. Laid on May 13, 2024, it marks the family’s last freely chosen home in the city.
Stolpersteine—literally “stumbling stones”—are small, hand-engraved brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate people persecuted by the Nazi regime at their last freely chosen address. The project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Unlike a central monument, each stone places remembrance within the everyday surroundings of a person’s former home. (stolpersteine.eu; mainz.de)
History
Artist Gunter Demnig initiated the Stolpersteine project in 1992. Mainz’s first stones were laid in 2007. As of 2025, the city has more than 350 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle. (stolpersteine.eu; mainz.de)
Bernhard Goldschmidt was born in Mainz in 1918 and was the youngest surviving son of a prominent Jewish family. Before the Nazi rise to power in 1933, Mainz’s Jewish community numbered about 2,600. The Goldschmidt family’s experience reflected that of many German Jews: persecution and forced emigration, and, for those unable to escape, deportation and murder. Bernhard fled first to Tel Aviv and later to San Francisco, where he built a new life. The Stolperstein at Klarastraße 13 marks the family’s last voluntary home in Mainz. (stolpersteine-mainz.de)
What to see and remembrance culture
A Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass plaque set into a sidewalk. Stones are engraved with “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”), along with the person’s name and details of their life and fate. The Bernhard Goldschmidt stone is part of a cluster commemorating his family. (pragueviews.com)
Stolpersteine make individual lives visible in the places where people once lived. In Mainz, they commemorate not only Jewish victims but also people persecuted for political resistance, sexual orientation, disabilities, and other reasons. Local organizations maintain biographies, photographs, and historical documents online. (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de; stolpersteine-mainz.de)
Mainz’s remembrance culture is supported by community organizations and the city government. Community members take part in research, installation ceremonies, and ongoing maintenance. Annual events, including Holocaust Remembrance Day and Kristallnacht commemorations, often feature visits to Stolpersteine or readings. The Haus des Erinnerns provides resources and opportunities for involvement.
Practical visiting information
Location: The Stolperstein is embedded in the pavement at Klarastraße 13, Mainz. (stolpersteine-mainz.de)
Opening hours: Stolpersteine are public memorials accessible 24/7. There are no specific opening hours or restrictions.
Admission: Visiting is free; there is no admission fee.
Getting there: Mainz is navigable on foot and by public transport. Klarastraße can be reached by tram, bus, or a short walk from the city center. Parking is limited, and public transport is recommended. (wildtrips.net)
Accessibility: The stone is flush with the sidewalk, as are most Stolpersteine in Mainz, and is accessible to people using mobility aids. Mainz’s old town has some uneven cobblestones and narrow streets. For information about step-free routes, contact the Mainz Tourist Information Center.
Local groups and the Mainz tourism office occasionally offer tours focused on Jewish history and Stolpersteine. Community events and cleaning rituals are open to all.
Tips for visiting
- Stolpersteine can be visited year-round. Early mornings or late afternoons offer better light and a quieter setting for reflection.
- Read about the Goldschmidt family in advance on the Stolpersteine Mainz website.
- Pause quietly and respectfully, and avoid stepping directly on the stone.
- Discreet, non-intrusive photography is permitted.
- If you wish to polish the plaque as an act of remembrance, bring a soft cloth.
- Placing a small stone or flower is a respectful Jewish tradition.
Nearby places
- Mainz Cathedral A Romanesque architectural landmark. (wildtrips.net)
- Gutenberg Museum Dedicated to the inventor of the printing press.
- Old Town (Altstadt) Historic half-timbered houses and vibrant squares.
- New Synagogue Mainz An important center of Jewish life.
- Jewish Museum Mainz Offers further context on Jewish history in the city.
- Haus des Erinnerns The city remembrance center, with exhibitions and educational programs. (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de)
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for the Stolperstein for Bernhard Goldschmidt?
It is accessible 24/7 in a public space.
Is there an admission fee?
No. Visiting is free.
Where is the Stolperstein located?
At Klarastraße 13, Mainz.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local groups and the Mainz tourism office occasionally offer tours focused on Jewish history and Stolpersteine.
Can I participate in commemorative activities?
Yes. Community events and cleaning rituals are open to all.
