Stolperstein Dedicated To Heinz Krieger

Stolperstein Heinz Krieger Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolpersteine project, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, is the world’s largest decentralized memorial dedicated to the victims of Nazi persecution. These small brass plaques, known as Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”), are embedded in sidewalks across over 21 European countries, marking the last freely chosen residences of individuals who suffered under National Socialism. By integrating remembrance into everyday urban life, Stolpersteine transform public spaces into sites of reflection and education (Mainz City Website; Wikipedia).

Mainz, historically known as “Magenza” within Jewish tradition, has embraced this culture of remembrance. With over 280 Stolpersteine installed throughout the city, Mainz honors the lives and stories of those persecuted during the Holocaust. Among these is the Stolperstein for Heinz Krieger, located in Mainz’s historic Altstadt. This guide provides detailed historical context, practical visiting information, cultural significance, and tips for engaging meaningfully with the memorial.

Introduction
The Stolpersteine Project: Overview and Historical Context
Stolpersteine in Mainz: Heinz Krieger’s Story
Visiting Information
Cultural and Memorial Significance
Memorial Practices and Rituals
Integration into Urban and Cultural Life
Social and Ethical Dimensions
Visitor Experience and Engagement
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References and Further Reading

The Stolpersteine Project: Overview and Historical Context

Stolpersteine are ten-centimeter square concrete cubes topped with a brass plate inscribed with the name and life dates of a victim of Nazi persecution. Initiated in 1992 by Gunter Demnig, the project shifts remembrance from large, centralized monuments to the very streets where victims lived, worked, or studied. As of 2024, over 107,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in nearly 1,900 communities across 21 countries (Wikipedia; Stolpersteine.eu).

Victims commemorated include Jews, Roma and Sinti, Black Germans, Jehovah’s Witnesses, LGBTQ+ individuals, political dissidents, and people with disabilities (folklife.si.edu). The stones are typically funded by community members, relatives, or sponsors, and their maintenance is an ongoing local effort.

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Heinz Krieger’s Story

Mainz, once home to a flourishing Jewish community, suffered immense losses during the Nazi era. The Stolperstein for Heinz Krieger is a powerful testament to this history. Embedded at his last freely chosen residence in Mainz-Altstadt, the stone reads:

Hier wohnte
Heinz Krieger
[Year of birth]
[Fate: deported, murdered, or survived]
[Date and place of death, if known]

By inviting passersby to pause, the Stolperstein makes remembrance immediate and personal (Stolpersteine Mainz; folklife.si.edu).

Visiting Information

Location and Accessibility

Location: The Heinz Krieger Stolperstein is situated in Mainz-Altstadt, typically in front of his last freely chosen residence. Exact addresses can be found via the official Stolpersteine Mainz database.
Getting There: The site is a short walk from Mainz Hauptbahnhof (main train station) and well-connected by public transit. Parking is available at garages like “Parkhaus Am Brand” or “Parkhaus Schillerplatz.”
Accessibility: The Stolperstein is flush with the sidewalk and generally accessible to all, including wheelchair users, though some old town streets have uneven cobblestones. For step-free routes, consult the Mainz accessibility guide.

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

Hours: The Stolperstein is publicly accessible 24/7, year-round.
Tickets: No tickets or fees are required; the memorial is free to visit.

Directions and Nearby Attractions

Nearby Sites: Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, the Jewish Museum, and the Mainz Synagogue are all within walking distance and provide additional historical context.
Guided Tours: Local organizations and the Mainz Tourist Information Center offer guided Stolpersteine walking tours. Tours may require booking and a small fee.

Travel Tips

Best Times to Visit: Visit during daylight hours for optimal visibility. Weekday mornings or early afternoons are quieter.
Remembrance Events: Annual Stolperstein cleaning ceremonies on January 27 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) and November 9 (Kristallnacht anniversary) offer opportunities for deeper engagement.

Cultural and Memorial Significance

Stolpersteine democratize remembrance by embedding individual stories in public spaces. The stone for Heinz Krieger is not just a marker of loss, but a call for reflection and dialogue, challenging communities to confront difficult histories. Its placement in the city’s daily landscape encourages ongoing education and fosters empathy (Stolpersteine.eu).

Memorial Practices and Rituals

Installation Ceremonies: Laying a Stolperstein is marked by solemn ceremonies involving descendants, local officials, and community members.
Acts of Care: Residents and school groups regularly clean the stones, especially before remembrance days.
Commemorations: Annual walks and events highlight individual stories and promote intergenerational dialogue.

Integration into Urban and Cultural Life

Stolpersteine are part of Mainz’s cultural identity, referenced in local art, literature, and education. This decentralized approach to memory links Mainz to a wider European network of remembrance (Wikipedia).

By naming victims and marking their homes, Stolpersteine counteract forgetting and denial. They foster empathy, personalize history, and challenge communities to reckon with the past. The project’s continued expansion demonstrates ongoing relevance in contemporary society (folklife.si.edu).

Visitor Experience and Engagement

Pause and Reflect: Read the inscription, honor the memory, and consider leaving a small stone or flower in accordance with Jewish tradition.
Photography: Discreet photography is permitted; avoid intrusive behavior and respect the space.
Digital Resources: Use the Stolpersteine Mainz website or the MAINZ app for maps and biographies.
Combine Visits: Explore nearby historical and Jewish heritage sites for a comprehensive understanding of Mainz’s past.

Practical Visitor Tips

Guided Tours: Book via the Mainz Tourist Information Center or local cultural centers like Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz Mainz.
Dress Appropriately: Wear sturdy footwear for cobblestone streets.
Accessibility: Consult the city accessibility guide for step-free routes.
Support: Donations to the Stolpersteine project can be made via the Stolpersteine Mainz website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Heinz Krieger Stolperstein located?
A: In Mainz-Altstadt, at his last freely chosen residence. Address details are available from the Stolpersteine Mainz database or the Tourist Information Center.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No; the Stolperstein is free to visit at any time.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, bookable via local organizations or the Tourist Information Center.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Generally yes, but some old town streets may be uneven. See the city guide for details.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, respectful photography is allowed.

Conclusion and Call to Action

A visit to the Heinz Krieger Stolperstein is an invitation to connect personally with Mainz’s layered history and to honor the memory of those lost to Nazi persecution. By pausing, reflecting, and sharing these stories, visitors contribute to a living culture of remembrance. Enhance your experience by exploring nearby landmarks, joining guided tours, and utilizing digital resources for deeper engagement.

To further support remembrance, consider donating to the Stolpersteine project or participating in upcoming commemorative events. Download the Audiala app for audio guides and historical content, and follow our updates for news on tours and events.