Planning for the new visitor center began in 2021 following a design competition launched in 2019. The contract for the construction of the center was awarded to Holzer/Kobler Architekturen, while the landscaping will be carried out by Sinai Landschaftsarchitekten.

A unique place of international renown
The Old Jewish Cemetery on Judensand, where members of the Jewish community were buried from the 11th to the 19th century, not only houses the oldest gravestones in Central Europe, but also commemorates outstanding Jewish scholars such as Gershom ben Jehuda. Their work and scholarship had a lasting impact on Jewish life in Central Europe, which continues to this day.

Outlook for the visitor center and its opening in 2026
The new visitor center is scheduled to open in 2026, the anniversary year of the memorial cemetery. Visitors from all over the world will then be able to learn about the rich history of the ShUM sites there; at the same time, the center will enable careful tourist development that respects the rules of Halacha.

The city of Mainz has committed itself to managing the cemetery in accordance with Jewish traditions and preserving it for future generations. The preservation of the gravestones is a particular priority.

Special attention is being paid to the stability of the gravestones, which is to be ensured for 75 graves by the end of the year. The gravestones, some of which date back to the 11th century, tell the story of Jewish scholars and martyrs who were of great importance to Jewish culture and the intellectual heritage of Central Europe. In the future, these stories will be made accessible worldwide through digital processing.

The surveying and digital recording of all 1,700 gravestones will enable precise management and long-term maintenance of the site. In addition, the international profile of the ShUM sites is to be further enhanced through free guided tours and fundraising campaigns.

The redesign of the sidewalk on Mombacher Straße creates a plaza-like situation in front of the entrance, which forms a break in the cityscape and draws the attention of passersby and cyclists to the cemetery. An architecturally appealing canopy at the entrance, seating with a view of the cemetery, and informative panels about the cemetery create an inviting setting.

Interventions in the cemetery itself will be kept to a minimum. Only the path surface will be discreetly redesigned and some spolia from the former main synagogue, which was destroyed in 1938, will be carefully relocated. A central element of the project is the so-called 'speaking shell' – a continuous yew hedge around 550 meters long that surrounds the cemetery like a protective casket. Together with an anthracite-colored slatted fence and strategically placed viewing windows, this creates an aesthetic enclosure that underlines the dignity and significance of the site.

A special place with a unique view
The new visitor center will be built on an elevated platform that offers a fascinating view of the cemetery and its old trees. The balcony-like space not only gives visitors a special perspective on the gravestones, but also creates a meeting place and a place to linger, inviting them to pause and reflect.

Sustainable green space design
The area surrounding the visitor center will be planted with additional trees, while the existing green spaces will be preserved as far as possible. The renovated footpath between Mombacher Straße and Paul-Denis-Straße and a turning area for coaches have also been integrated into the plans. The surface will be paved with high-quality natural stone to preserve the historical character of the site.
Access to the memorial cemetery will be reserved for worshippers, but a circular path will allow all visitors to enjoy fascinating views of the valuable gravestones.