The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Concept
Conceived by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project was created to embed remembrance into the daily life of European cities and towns. Each Stolperstein is a 96 x 96 x 100 mm brass plate set onto a concrete block. The inscription begins with “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”), followed by the victim’s name, birthdate, and fate—such as deportation, place, and date of death if known (pragueviews.com).
Stolpersteine mark the last known voluntary residence or workplace of each victim, reconnecting their memory to the communities from which they were torn. The act of physically “stumbling” over these stones prompts reflection, ensuring that remembrance is woven into the fabric of daily life (stolpersteine.eu).
The project has expanded far beyond Germany, with stones installed in over 1,100 locations across 17 European countries. Stolpersteine honor not only Jewish victims but also Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others persecuted by the Nazi regime (germany.info).
Stolpersteine in Mainz
Mainz began participating in the Stolpersteine project in 2007. As of 2025, more than 350 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle (a larger threshold stone) are found throughout the city, including Mainz-Kastel. The project is realized through collaboration among private sponsors, local schools, the Haus des Erinnerns (House of Remembrance), and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V. (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de).
Each stone is carefully researched and installed at the last voluntary residence of the victim. Installation ceremonies often involve relatives, students, and community members, emphasizing the participatory and educational nature of the project.
The Stolperstein for Hannelore Metzger: Personal Story
Hannelore Metzger’s Stolperstein is located in front of Walpodenstraße 6, Mainz-Altstadt (waymarking.com). Deported in 1942 to Piaski, a transit ghetto in Nazi-occupied Poland, Hannelore was murdered there. Her mother, Irma Metzger, is commemorated with a Stolperstein at the same address, symbolizing the fate of entire families (stolpersteine-mainz.de).
The installation was initiated by the Stolperstein-AG of the Frauenlobgymnasium school, reflecting the educational mission of the project and its enduring impact on new generations.
Visitor Information
Location and Accessibility
- Address Walpodenstraße 6, Mainz-Altstadt
- Map and Directions Use the Stolpersteine Mainz interactive map or OpenStreetMap.
- Public Transport The Altstadt is pedestrian-friendly and well-connected by buses and trams.
- Accessibility The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though some sidewalks may be uneven.
Visiting Hours and Ticket Details
- Hours Stolpersteine are in public spaces and can be visited at any time, year-round.
- Tickets No ticket or fee is required.
Visitor Tips and Etiquette
- When to Visit Mornings and late afternoons are quieter and ideal for reflection.
- How to Pay Respects Pause to read and reflect. Placing a small stone or flower on a Stolperstein is a traditional gesture of remembrance.
- Care Gently cleaning the brass plate with a soft cloth helps maintain visibility.
- Photography Discreet photography is permitted; please be mindful of the surroundings and residents.
Cultural Significance and Community Involvement
Stolpersteine are more than memorials; they are touchstones for education, dialogue, and civic responsibility. In Mainz, the project is integrated into school curricula, and community members often sponsor and care for the stones (stolpersteine-mainz.de). Installation ceremonies involve readings, music, and moments of silence, reinforcing the stones as living parts of the city’s memory.
Volunteers, including students, regularly clean the Stolpersteine, keeping the memory alive and visible. The project’s participatory structure invites everyone to take part in ongoing remembrance.
Nearby Historical Sites
- Mainz Cathedral (Dom) A Romanesque landmark at the heart of the city.
- Gutenberg Museum Dedicated to the inventor of movable type and the history of printing.
- Jewish Museum of Mainz Explores the city’s Jewish heritage.
- Kunsthalle Mainz Contemporary art exhibitions in a converted industrial hall.
- New Synagogue Mainz A modern architectural and spiritual center (Mapcarta).
These sites provide broader context for the Stolpersteine and enrich your visit to Mainz.
Controversies and Perspectives
Although widely praised, the Stolpersteine project has faced some criticism. Some Jewish leaders, such as Charlotte Knobloch, have expressed discomfort with memorial stones being walked on, while others, such as Salomon Korn and representatives of Yad Vashem, have defended the project’s role in public remembrance (mainz1933-1945.de). In Mainz, the project is broadly supported and serves as a catalyst for dialogue about memory and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate Holocaust victims at their last chosen residences.
Are there visiting hours or tickets needed?
No. Stolpersteine are accessible in public spaces at all times, free of charge.
How can I find the Stolperstein for Hannelore Metzger?
Check the Stolpersteine Mainz interactive map or OpenStreetMap.
Are the sites accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, Stolpersteine are flush with the pavement, but some historic sidewalks may be uneven.
Can I join a ceremony or help maintain the stones?
Yes, local organizations welcome community participation. Contact Haus des Erinnerns for details.
