Three-Day Photography Celebration at Koïfhus, Colmar

The city of Colmar is preparing for the 11th edition of the Rencontres Photographiques de L’Oeil Grand Ouvert, a dedicated showcase of photographic art organized by the Colmar photo club, L’œil Grand Ouvert.

The event is scheduled to take place from May 8, 2026, starting at 10:00 am, through May 10, 2026, concluding at 5:00 pm.

Venue and Location

The exhibition will be hosted at the Koïfhus in Colmar, France. This venue is a significant local landmark also known as the Ancienne Douane.

The Koïfhus is one of the most recognizable historic buildings in Colmar’s Old Town. Originally built as the city’s customs house, the structure reflects Colmar’s history as a trading hub in the Alsace region.

Architecturally, the building is noted for its robust, civic medieval façade, which stands in contrast to the half-timbered houses found in the surrounding area. It’s situated near Place de l’Ancienne Douane and the lanes leading toward Petite Venise.

Event Context and History

This upcoming event marks the 11th iteration of the photographic meetings. The series has a history of utilizing the Koïfhus as a venue, including the 9th edition which was held from May 11 to May 12, 2024.

The organization behind the event, L’œil Grand Ouvert, operates as a photo club within Colmar, facilitating these periodic gatherings to celebrate the art of photography.

The Koïfhus itself serves multiple roles within the community, functioning as both a historic site and a venue for world cuisine as a restaurant.

Visiting the Site

For those attending the exhibition, the Koïfhus serves as a visual anchor between the Grand Rue shopping streets and the canal-side viewpoints of the city.

Visitors typically encounter the building while navigating walking tours of the historic center, where it is positioned near seasonal market hotspots and the city’s canals.