Stolperstein Dedicated To Carl Theodor Frank

Stolperstein Carl Theodor Frank Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Carl Theodor Frank in Mainz, Germany, is a compelling point of remembrance for those seeking to engage with the city’s Jewish history and the broader legacy of the Holocaust. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences or workplaces of individuals persecuted by the Nazi regime. Initiated in 1992 by the German artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolperstein project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 116,000 stones installed across 31 countries as of 2024 (stolpersteine.eu).

This guide explores the historical context of the Stolperstein for Carl Theodor Frank, its cultural significance, practical visitor information, and its role in the urban and social fabric of Mainz. Whether you are planning a visit or seeking to deepen your understanding of Holocaust remembrance, this article provides detailed insights and resources to help you connect meaningfully with this unique memorial (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de; pragueviews.com).

Origins and Purpose of the Stolperstein Project
The Stolperstein Dedicated to Carl Theodor Frank: Personalizing History
Historical Context of Stolpersteine in Mainz
Visiting the Stolperstein: Location, Hours, and Accessibility
Guided Tours, Events, and Travel Tips
Cultural Resonance, Community Involvement, and Controversies
Educational Value and Digital Resources
Visitor Etiquette and Photography
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion and Call to Action
References and Further Reading

Origins and Purpose of the Stolperstein Project

Gunter Demnig’s Stolperstein project began in 1992 as a decentralized, grassroots effort to honor individual victims of Nazi persecution. Unlike traditional, monumental memorials, Stolpersteine are small, brass-capped cobblestones (10 x 10 cm) placed in front of the victims’ last self-chosen residences or workplaces. Each stone is engraved with the words “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”) followed by the person’s name, birth date, fate, and—when known—details of deportation or death (pragueviews.com; pebblegalaxy.blog).

The project’s philosophy is rooted in the Talmudic teaching: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” By placing remembrance directly in public spaces, the Stolpersteine create daily opportunities for reflection and engagement.

Over time, the project has grown to commemorate not only Jewish victims but also Roma and Sinti, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, political dissidents, and others persecuted by the Nazis (folklife.si.edu).

The Stolperstein Dedicated to Carl Theodor Frank: Personalizing History

Carl Theodor Frank was a timber merchant in Mainz whose life was profoundly affected by Nazi persecution. His Stolperstein, located at Kaiserstraße 94, marks the last address where he lived freely before facing deportation or other forms of persecution (SWR2 Stolperstein, p.2). The stone is inscribed with his name, birth date, and fate—transforming an ordinary sidewalk into a personal site of memory.

This personalization is at the heart of the Stolperstein project. Visitors are invited to pause, bow to read the inscription, and reflect on the life that was disrupted or ended. This act of remembrance is both intimate and public, forging a direct connection between past and present.

Historical Context of Stolpersteine in Mainz

Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, is home to 342 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle (a larger threshold stone) as of 2024 (Liste der Stolpersteine in Mainz). The city’s Stolpersteine are integrated into the urban landscape, commemorating individuals from various backgrounds who suffered under the Nazi regime.

The project in Mainz is supported by local organizations such as the Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V., which conduct research, organize installations, and maintain a public database of stones (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de).

Visiting the Stolperstein: Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Location:
Kaiserstraße 94, Mainz, Germany

Visiting Hours:
The Stolperstein is in a public sidewalk and can be visited at any time, day or night.

Admission:
There is no fee or ticket required; the memorial is freely accessible.

Accessibility:
The stone is embedded at street level and is accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. The surrounding city center is pedestrian-friendly, with public transport and parking options nearby.

For maps and guides, visit the mainz STORE / Tourist Information at Markt 17 / Domplatz, 55116 Mainz. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10:00–18:00.

Guided Tours, Events, and Travel Tips

Guided Tours:
Local historical societies and the Mainz tourist office offer guided Stolpersteine walking tours. These provide historical context and personal stories. Check schedules and book in advance (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de).
Travel Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes as Stolpersteine are spread throughout Mainz.
- Consider visiting other nearby historical sites such as Mainz Cathedral, Gutenberg Museum, and the Old Town.
- Plan your route using local maps or the Stolpersteine online database.
Special Events:
Attend commemorative ceremonies on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) or Kristallnacht (November 9), when stones are often cleaned and adorned with flowers or candles.

Cultural Resonance, Community Involvement, and Controversies

The Stolperstein project is profoundly grassroots. Stones are typically sponsored by families, residents, or civic organizations (about €120 per stone), and installation ceremonies often involve the community (folklife.si.edu). In Mainz, local engagement ensures ongoing maintenance and educational outreach.

Despite widespread support, the project has faced controversy in some cities. Critics argue that placing memorials underfoot is disrespectful, leading cities like Munich to restrict installations on public property. In Mainz, however, Stolpersteine are widely embraced as a vital part of the city’s commitment to remembrance (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de).

Educational Value and Digital Resources

Mainz’s Stolpersteine function as both memorials and educational tools. The Haus des Erinnerns and other organizations provide digital platforms with biographies, historical documents, and interactive maps to help visitors learn about each victim (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de).

Schools, community groups, and tourists are encouraged to explore these resources, participate in guided tours, and reflect on the ongoing relevance of Holocaust memory.

Visitor Etiquette and Photography

Pause respectfully when reading inscriptions.
Avoid stepping directly on the stones as a mark of respect.
It is customary to polish the brass with a soft cloth or leave small tokens (stones, flowers, candles).
Photography is permitted; please be considerate of local residents and other visitors. Sharing images online can help raise awareness about the Stolpersteine project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass memorial plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate individual victims of Nazi persecution at their last chosen home or workplace.

Where can I find Stolpersteine in Mainz?
Throughout the city; use official lists, tourist maps, or digital guides for precise locations (Liste der Stolpersteine in Mainz).

Are guided tours available?
Yes, offered by local organizations and the tourist office. Check websites for details.

Is there a ticket or admission fee?
No, visiting Stolpersteine is free of charge.

Are the stones accessible at all times?
Yes, they are located in public sidewalks and streets, accessible 24/7.

Why are Stolpersteine controversial in some cities?
Some argue that memorials should not be placed underfoot; thus, certain cities have restrictions.

Can I contribute to the project?
Yes, through sponsorship or volunteering. See the official project site for more.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Carl Theodor Frank in Mainz invites both residents and visitors to engage personally with history and participate in a living act of remembrance. This decentralized memorial approach transforms the city’s public spaces into sites of reflection, honoring the stories of those lost to Nazi persecution and reinforcing the city’s commitment to tolerance and memory.

Plan your visit today to experience this unique form of remembrance. Enhance your journey with guided tours, digital resources, and related historical sites. Download the Audiala app for interactive maps and audio guides, and follow local heritage organizations for updates on new installations and events.

By pausing at these stones, we ensure that the names and stories of Holocaust victims remain vibrant in the heart of Mainz and in our collective consciousness.