Stolperstein Dedicated To Hermann Levy

Stolperstein Hermann Levy Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Hermann Levy in Mainz offers a profound and moving experience, connecting visitors directly with the personal histories of Holocaust victims. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques set into city sidewalks, each marking the last freely chosen residence of an individual persecuted by the Nazi regime. The Stolperstein project, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, has become the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 stones across Europe and more than 280 in Mainz alone (Stolpersteine in Mainz).

Mainz, with its millennia-old Jewish heritage and significance as one of the ShUM cities of medieval Jewish learning, provides an evocative backdrop for remembrance (Jewish Virtual Library). The Stolperstein for Hermann Levy in the city’s Altstadt (Old Town) offers a tangible link to this history and to the tragic fate of Mainz’s Jewish community. This guide brings together essential information on the Stolperstein’s location, historical context, inscription, visitor etiquette, accessibility, and related attractions to help you make the most of your visit.

Origins and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Project
Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Context and Community Involvement
Visiting the Stolperstein for Hermann Levy: Location, Hours, and Accessibility
Inscription Details and Memorial Significance
Visitor Tips for a Respectful Experience
Nearby Attractions and Enhancing Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual Media and Maps
Conclusion and Call to Action
Sources

Origins and Philosophy of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is a decentralized memorial to victims of National Socialism, started by Gunter Demnig in 1992. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated concrete cube, installed in front of the victim’s last freely chosen residence or workplace (Stolpersteine in Mainz). The inscription records the victim’s name, birth year, fate, and—when known—date and place of death. The project’s philosophy centers around integrating remembrance into daily life: pedestrians “stumble” mentally upon these stones, prompting reflection.

Demnig’s guiding principle echoes the Talmudic saying: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” By restoring names and stories to the victims, the Stolpersteine ensure that memory and responsibility are maintained in the public sphere (Stolpersteine Mainz: Biographies).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Context and Community Involvement

Mainz’s Stolpersteine commemorate Jewish citizens as well as Roma, Sinti, political dissidents, and other victims of Nazi persecution. The stones are the result of extensive research by local historians, archivists, and volunteers, who consult archival records and family histories. Installations are often accompanied by public ceremonies, reinforcing the communal and intergenerational aspect of remembrance (Stolpersteine Mainz: Directory). The project’s participatory nature empowers individuals, families, and organizations to sponsor stones, ensuring a deeply personal approach to memorialization.

Visiting the Stolperstein for Hermann Levy: Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Exact Location

The Stolperstein for Hermann Levy is located in Mainz’s Altstadt district, traditionally placed at the last freely chosen residence of the individual (Stolpersteine in Mainz). While the precise address is not always published, the Stolpersteine Mainz directory and Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz provide updated maps and listings.

Hours and Tickets

Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and can be visited at any time; they are always accessible and require no ticket or admission fee.

Getting There and Accessibility

The Altstadt is pedestrian-friendly and well-served by Mainz’s trams and buses. Most streets have level pavement, making the area accessible for visitors with mobility needs. For detailed assistance, reach out to the Haus des Erinnerns.

Inscription Details and Memorial Significance

Each Stolperstein follows a standardized inscription format devised by Gunter Demnig (mainz1933-1945.de). While the exact text for Hermann Levy is not publicly listed, a typical inscription reads:

HIER WOHNTE
HERMANN LEVY
GEB. [YEAR]
DEPORTIERT [YEAR]
ERMORDET [PLACE, YEAR]

(Translation: “Here lived Hermann Levy, born [year], deported [year], murdered [place, year]”)

The concise inscription invites reflection on the fate of the individual, and the Stolperstein’s placement in everyday urban space emphasizes the personal impact of historical tragedy.

Visitor Tips for a Respectful Experience

Preparation: Before visiting, consult digital maps and biographies via the Stolpersteine Mainz website.
Respectful Approach: Pause to read the inscription, reflect, and, if you wish, leave a small stone or flower in line with Jewish mourning traditions.
Photography: Discreet photos are permitted; do not block the sidewalk or disturb residents.
Cleaning: Gently polishing the Stolperstein with a soft cloth is a respectful act that keeps the name visible.
Silence and Reflection: Take a moment of silence to honor Hermann Levy and all victims.

Nearby Attractions and Enhancing Your Visit

While in the Altstadt, consider visiting:

Mainz Cathedral: A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
Gutenberg Museum: Dedicated to the inventor of movable type.
Jewish Museum Mainz: Exhibiting Jewish life and history in the city.
Judensand Jewish Cemetery: One of Europe’s oldest Jewish cemeteries.

Combining a Stolperstein visit with these sites offers a comprehensive perspective on Mainz’s history and Jewish heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Hermann Levy’s Stolperstein?
It is in the Altstadt district, at the address of his last freely chosen residence. For the latest information, consult the official directory.

Are there visiting hours or tickets required?
No. The memorial is accessible at all times, free of charge.

Can I take photographs?
Yes, but please be respectful and unobtrusive.

Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Most Altstadt pavements are level and accessible. For specific needs, contact the Haus des Erinnerns.

Visual Media and Maps

High-quality images, virtual tours, and interactive maps are available from the Stolpersteine Mainz website. These resources include photos of Stolpersteine, the Altstadt, and detailed navigation aids, with descriptive alt text for accessibility.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Hermann Levy in Mainz is a powerful reminder of the city’s Jewish history and the enduring importance of remembrance. Visitors are encouraged to engage thoughtfully—pausing to reflect, learning about the stories behind the stones, and exploring related sites and educational resources.

To enhance your visit, download the Audiala app for audio guides and historical content, and follow local organizations and social media for updates on commemorative events and installations.