The Stolpersteine Project: History and Significance
Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are the world’s largest decentralized memorial, founded by Gunter Demnig in 1992. Each 10 x 10 cm brass-plated stone is engraved with a victim’s name, birth date, and fate, placed outside their last freely chosen home or workplace. The project personalizes remembrance, bringing individual stories back into public consciousness and transforming everyday streets into sites of memory (mainz.de; IamExpat).
Mainz began installing Stolpersteine in the early 2000s and now features hundreds of stones honoring Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, and others who suffered under Nazism. The stones serve to restore the names and stories of those erased from public memory and spark meaningful reflection in the present (Stolpersteine Mainz; Haus des Erinnerns Mainz).
Kurt Paul Epstein: Biography
Early Life and Family
Kurt Paul Epstein was born into a Jewish family in Mainz. His father, Eduard, originally from Frankenthal, established a family home and business at Bahnhofstraße 5. The family was well integrated into Mainz society but faced discrimination, including expulsion during the French occupation in the 1920s (stolpersteine-mainz.de).
Political Engagement and Persecution
Kurt’s brothers, Alfred and Erwin, were politically active and fled to Paris as persecution intensified. Kurt and his wife, Ilona Silberberg, sought refuge in the Netherlands, but after the German occupation, they were arrested and deported via Westerbork to Auschwitz on July 15, 1942, where Kurt was murdered.
Visiting the Epstein Stolperstein
Location and Directions
Address:
Bahnhofstraße 5, 55116 Mainz, Germany
The Stolperstein is set into the pavement in front of the former Epstein family home. The site is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from Mainz Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), which is about a 10-minute walk away. City buses and trams stop nearby at Schillerplatz or Höfchen/Listmann. Paid parking is available at garages such as Parkhaus Kronberger Hof (Stolpersteine Mainz).
Visiting Hours and Admission
- Open 24/7 The Stolperstein is on a public sidewalk and can be visited at any time.
- No admission fee or ticket required.
Accessibility
- The site is wheelchair accessible with smooth pavement.
- Caution is advised in wet weather, as the brass surface may become slippery.
- Digital resources, including biographies and maps, are available online (Stolpersteine Mainz).
Guided Tours and Events
- Guided tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Jewish history are available via the Haus des Erinnerns and the Mainz tourism office (mainz-tourismus.de).
- Special remembrance events, particularly on Holocaust Remembrance Day, are held at various Stolpersteine locations.
Nearby Attractions
While visiting the Epstein Stolperstein, consider exploring other Mainz historical sites:
- Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom)
- Gutenberg Museum
- Jewish Museum Mainz
- New Synagogue
These sites provide deeper insight into Mainz’s rich cultural and religious history.
Visitor Tips
- Best times to visit Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter, more contemplative experiences.
- How to prepare Research Kurt Paul Epstein’s story and Mainz’s Jewish history through local archives and the Stolpersteine database.
- Etiquette Approach with respect, avoid stepping directly on the stone, and maintain a quiet demeanor.
- Photography Discreet photography is welcome. Consider sharing images with educational context to raise awareness.
- Commemorative gestures Placing a small stone or flower on the Stolperstein is a traditional sign of respect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is the Kurt Paul Epstein Stolperstein located?
A: Bahnhofstraße 5, Mainz, in front of the family’s last known residence.
Q: Are there any visiting hours or tickets required?
A: No. The Stolperstein is freely accessible at all times with no admission fee.
Q: Is the location wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, it is on a level sidewalk, though caution is advised in wet weather.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through the Haus des Erinnerns and Mainz tourism office—advance booking is recommended.
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, as long as it is done respectfully and without blocking pedestrian traffic.
Q: Are there special remembrance events at this site?
A: Yes, especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Discover More
The Stolperstein commemorating Kurt Paul Epstein offers a powerful, personal opportunity to reflect on Mainz’s history and honor the memory of Holocaust victims. Its accessibility—open at all times, with no charge—invites all to engage with living memory in the heart of the city. For a more immersive experience, consider joining a guided tour or participating in remembrance events. Digital tools like interactive maps and audio guides (including the Audiala app) further enrich your visit.
By approaching the Stolpersteine with respect and mindfulness, sharing their stories, and supporting remembrance initiatives, visitors help ensure that the memory of Kurt Paul Epstein and countless others endures.
