Stolperstein Dedicated To Eugen Salomon

Stolperstein Eugen Salomon Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Discovering the Stolperstein for Eugen Salomon in Mainz

A visit to the Stolperstein dedicated to Eugen Salomon in Mainz offers a powerful and deeply personal encounter with the city’s layered past. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass memorials embedded in the sidewalks across Europe, marking the last freely chosen residences of victims of Nazi persecution. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, these decentralized memorials transform ordinary city streets into sites of reflection and remembrance. The Stolperstein for Eugen Salomon at Boppstraße 64 honors not only Salomon’s role as a pioneering sportsman and founder of 1. FSV Mainz 05, but also the broader narrative of Holocaust remembrance that shapes Mainz’s identity today.

This guide details the historical significance of the Stolperstein for Eugen Salomon, provides practical visitor information including opening hours and accessibility, and highlights ways to engage meaningfully with this unique memorial. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a football fan, or a visitor seeking to understand Mainz’s rich cultural fabric, this article will help you make the most of your visit.

For further information, consult the Stolpersteine Mainz website or the Haus des Erinnerns – for Democracy and Acceptance Mainz.

Introduction
Historical Background: Eugen Salomon and His Memorial
Cultural and Social Significance
Location, Accessibility & Visiting Hours
Practical Visitor Tips
What to Expect at the Memorial
Educational Resources and Further Exploration
Community Involvement and Remembrance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & Call to Action
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background: Eugen Salomon and His Memorial

Eugen Salomon (1888–1942) was instrumental in shaping the sporting and cultural life of Mainz. At just 17, he co-founded the football club that would become 1. FSV Mainz 05, serving as its first president and helping to finance its earliest stadium. As a leader in the Jewish community and a passionate sportsman, Salomon represented the vibrant diversity of pre-war Mainz.

The rise of National Socialism ended Salomon’s career and life. Targeted as a Jewish citizen, he was deported to Auschwitz on November 14, 1942, where he was murdered at the age of 54. The Stolperstein at Boppstraße 64—his last freely chosen address—was laid as part of a city-wide initiative to honor victims of Nazi persecution. The memorial is joined by stones for other family members, creating a tangible link to the personal tragedies of the Holocaust (Haus des Erinnerns – Stolpersteine).

The Stolperstein for Eugen Salomon resonates deeply within Mainz, connecting the city’s sporting achievements to its history of persecution and resilience. Salomon’s legacy is celebrated by Mainz 05 fans, who organize annual commemorative events and advocated for the club’s street to be named Eugen-Salomon-Straße. The laying of the Stolperstein, and a commemorative plaque at Boppstraße 64, reflect ongoing community commitment to remembrance, dialogue, and reconciliation (SWR Sport; Haus des Erinnerns – Gedenktafel für Eugen Salomon).

The Stolperstein project itself is a grassroots initiative, involving local residents, schools, and organizations. By personalizing history, the project fosters empathy and understanding, transforming abstract loss into individual stories.

Location, Accessibility & Visiting Hours

Address: Boppstraße 64, 55118 Mainz, Germany
Access: 10-minute walk from Mainz Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). Tram and bus stops are nearby.
Opening Hours: The Stolperstein is in a public sidewalk and accessible 24/7, year-round.
Admission: Free (no tickets required).
Accessibility: The pavement is flat and suitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges.

The memorial is part of a network of Stolpersteine throughout Mainz, with several stones commemorating other members of the Salomon family and victims in the area (Mapcarta – Stolperstein dedicated to Alfred Salomon).

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Any time, but commemorative events (around March 16 and January 27) provide added context and community participation.
How to Get There: From Mainz Hauptbahnhof, walk or use public transport to Boppstraße.
What to Bring: A small cloth to gently clean the Stolperstein (a local tradition), and flowers or stones for remembrance.
Nearby Attractions: Haus des Erinnerns, Mainz Cathedral, Gutenberg Museum, Mainz 05 stadium (Eugen-Salomon-Straße 1), Old Town, and the Rhine riverfront.
Amenities: Benches and cafés are available nearby for rest and reflection.

What to Expect at the Memorial

The Stolperstein for Eugen Salomon is a modest brass plaque at pavement level, engraved with his name, birth year, fate, and place of death. Its unassuming presence invites passersby to bow their heads in respect. During memorial events, the site becomes a gathering place for local residents, football fans, and descendants, who honor Salomon’s memory with silence, flowers, and stories.

Educational Resources and Further Exploration

The Haus des Erinnerns – for Democracy and Acceptance offers detailed biographies, documents, and photographs related to Mainz’s Stolpersteine. Educational programs involve schools and youth groups in research, cleaning, and commemorative events, nurturing a culture of remembrance.

Digital platforms and QR codes provide access to biographical information and historical context, making each Stolperstein a portal to deeper learning (Stolpersteine Mainz Digital).

Community Involvement and Remembrance

The Stolperstein for Eugen Salomon is a focal point for community remembrance. Local football clubs, fans, historians, and city officials collaborate on events and educational activities. Annual cleaning days and commemorative walks maintain both the stones and the memory they represent (Haus des Erinnerns – Gedenktafel für Eugen Salomon).

The Stolperstein project in Mainz continues to expand, with new stones added each year and biographies researched by volunteers, ensuring individual stories are not forgotten.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entry fee to visit the Stolperstein for Eugen Salomon?
A: No, the memorial is free and accessible to all at any time.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, guided tours are occasionally offered by the Haus des Erinnerns and other organizations. Contact them for schedules.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, photography is permitted and encouraged as a way to share and preserve memory.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the sidewalk is flat and suitable for wheelchair users.

Q: Are there special events?
A: Commemorative ceremonies are typically held around March 16 (Mainz 05 anniversary) and January 27 (Holocaust Remembrance Day).

Contact and Further Information

For details on guided tours or educational programs, contact the Haus des Erinnerns – for Democracy and Acceptance:

Address: Flachsmarktstraße 36, 55116 Mainz
Phone: +49 6131 69179747
Email: info[at]hde-mainz.de
Opening Hours: Mon–Wed: 10–13h, 14–16h; Thu: 10–13h, 14–18h; Fri: closed or by appointment.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Eugen Salomon stands as a powerful testament to individual memory, community engagement, and the ongoing struggle against forgetting. By visiting, learning, and participating in remembrance, you help keep the stories of Mainz’s victims alive and relevant for future generations.

For enhanced exploration, consider downloading the Audiala app for guided audio tours. Stay up to date with events and new Stolperstein installations by visiting the official Stolpersteine Mainz website and following local cultural organizations.

Through your visit and engagement, you help ensure that the legacy of Eugen Salomon—and all those commemorated by Stolpersteine—remains a living part of Mainz’s streets and collective memory.