Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Inge Krieger in Mainz, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Inge Krieger

Visiting Stolperstein Inge Krieger in Mainz, Germany: Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Inge Krieger in Mainz is a moving site of remembrance that invites visitors to engage personally with Holocaust history and Mainz’s Jewish heritage. Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small, brass-plated memorial cobblestones embedded in sidewalks across Europe, each commemorating an individual victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence. Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, the Stolpersteine project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 100,000 stones installed in 21 countries as of 2024. Mainz, with its rich Jewish legacy, is home to many such memorials, including that of Inge Krieger. This guide will help you understand the historical context, significance, and practical details for visiting the Stolperstein for Inge Krieger, ensuring a meaningful and respectful experience. (Official Stolpersteine Website, Mainz Tourism Official Site, Stolpersteine Mainz Directory)

Origins and History of the Stolpersteine Project
Historical Context: The Holocaust in Mainz
Inge Krieger: Biography and Commemoration
Significance of Stolpersteine as Memorials
Visiting the Stolperstein for Inge Krieger: Location, Hours, and Accessibility
Practical Visitor Information: Tours, Transport, and Nearby Sites
Community Engagement, Preservation, and Events
Controversies and Public Debate
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Visitor Resources

Origins and History of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was established by German artist Gunter Demnig to commemorate victims of Nazi oppression. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass plaque set flush into the pavement outside a victim’s last freely chosen residence or workplace. The inscription details the individual’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, date and place of death. By August 2024, over 100,000 Stolpersteine had been installed in 21 European countries, reflecting the project’s profound resonance and its impact on public memory (Official Stolpersteine Website, Wikipedia: List of places with Stolpersteine).

Historical Context: The Holocaust in Mainz

Mainz’s Jewish presence dates back to the Middle Ages, but was decimated during the Nazi regime. Before World War II, the city had a vibrant Jewish community that faced persecution, deportation, and murder. Many cultural sites were destroyed, and families like the Kriegers were torn apart. Stolpersteine throughout Mainz, particularly in the Altstadt (Old Town), serve as poignant reminders of these histories (Mainz Tourism Official Site).

Inge Krieger: Biography and Commemoration

The Stolperstein for Inge Krieger marks her last freely chosen residence in Mainz-Altstadt before she was deported or murdered during the Holocaust. While specific biographical details may require further archival research, the presence of her Stolperstein attests to her individual story and the collective tragedy endured by Mainz’s Jewish residents. The memorial is part of a network documenting personal histories throughout the city (Stolpersteine Mainz Directory).

Significance of Stolpersteine as Memorials

Stolpersteine represent a unique form of decentralized remembrance. Unlike traditional monuments, they are integrated into the urban landscape, encountered during daily routines. This approach fosters personal reflection, making the act of remembrance a communal and continuous practice. The project’s philosophy is: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” The stones reclaim dignity for victims and restore their identities, countering the dehumanization perpetrated by the Nazi regime (Stolpersteine Project Philosophy).

Visiting the Stolperstein for Inge Krieger: Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Location:
The Stolperstein is situated in Mainz’s Altstadt, a central and historic part of the city. The exact address can be found through the Stolpersteine Mainz Directory. The Altstadt is easily accessible by foot, public transport, or car, with nearby parking available.

Hours and Accessibility:

Access: 24/7, no tickets or entrance fees required.
Accessibility: The memorial is flush with the pavement and accessible for visitors with mobility aids or wheelchairs, though some sidewalks may be uneven.
Best Times: Daylight hours are recommended for clear visibility and safety.

Practical Visitor Information: Tours, Transport, and Nearby Sites

Guided Tours and Educational Programs:
Local organizations and tour operators offer guided walks focusing on Stolpersteine, Holocaust history, and personal stories like Inge Krieger’s. These tours can be booked via the Mainz Tourist Information and local cultural centers.

Self-Guided Tours:
Digital resources and mobile apps (such as Audiala) provide interactive maps, biographies, and audio guides for Stolperstein locations.

Transport:

Train: Arrive at Mainz Hauptbahnhof, then use local trams or buses to reach the Altstadt.
Walking: Mainz-Altstadt is highly walkable.
Car: Parking garages are available but public transport is recommended for ease of access.

Nearby Attractions:

Mainz Cathedral
Gutenberg Museum
Jewish Museum Mainz
Rhine River promenade
Combining these sites with your Stolperstein visit offers a comprehensive immersion in Mainz’s history (Globetrove).

Community Engagement, Preservation, and Events

Preservation:
Local volunteers and organizations maintain Stolpersteine, cleaning and caring for them, particularly on remembrance days such as International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9). Visitors are welcome to participate in cleaning rituals, which symbolize ongoing commitment to memory (Folklife Magazine).

Public Events:
Mainz hosts installation ceremonies, cleaning events, and educational programs connected to Stolpersteine. Check the Haus des Erinnerns events calendar for upcoming activities.

Controversies and Public Debate

While Stolpersteine are widely embraced, some debate their placement at street level. Concerns have been raised about the dignity of memorializing victims “underfoot,” leading some cities to opt for wall plaques instead. These debates reflect the complexity of public memory and the evolving nature of Holocaust commemoration (Euronews).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass memorial plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate Nazi victims at their last chosen residence.

Where is Inge Krieger’s Stolperstein?
Located in Mainz-Altstadt; find the specific address via the Stolpersteine Mainz Directory.

Is there a cost or ticket required?
No. Visiting is free and open to the public at any time.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local organizations offer both group and private guided tours.

Are Stolpersteine accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Generally yes, as they are installed flush with the pavement, though some sidewalks may be uneven.

Can I take photos?
Yes, discreet photography is permitted; be respectful of the memorial and nearby residents.

How can I participate in remembrance activities?
Join public cleaning events, commemorations, or volunteer with local organizations.

Visual and Interactive Resources

Photographs of Stolpersteine in Mainz
Maps and virtual tours available via the Stolpersteine Mainz website
Audio guides and biographies through the Audiala app

Conclusion

The Stolperstein for Inge Krieger in Mainz is a powerful testament to the lives interrupted and destroyed by the Holocaust. Its presence in the city’s bustling Altstadt provides a daily invitation to remember, reflect, and learn. With free, open access and a wealth of educational resources, this memorial is a vital stop for anyone seeking to understand Mainz’s history and honor the memory of Holocaust victims. By visiting, participating in community events, or simply pausing to reflect, you contribute to a living culture of remembrance and a collective commitment to never forget.

Plan your visit, explore further resources, and become part of the global community dedicated to remembrance. Download the Audiala app for guided tours, and follow us for updates on Mainz’s historical heritage.