Strasbourg’s Historic Srebnicki Photography Studio Closes After a Century in Business

After more than 100 years of capturing the faces of Strasbourg residents, Srebnicki Photo, a landmark studio located on Place Kléber, quietly closed its doors in the summer of 2024. The family-run business, spanning three generations of photographers, leaves behind a legacy of portraits and memories etched into the heart of the city.

A Century of Images

Founded in 1918 by Willy Srebnicki, the studio was later taken over by his son, Jean, who continued the tradition until 1992. The studio remained a fixture in the Passage de la Pomme-de-Pin, nestled between the Kohler-Rehm building and Monoprix. Despite the changing times and the rise of digital photography, the studio maintained its presence, becoming a familiar sight for locals and visitors alike.

A Quiet Closure

Pascale de Srebnicki, the third generation to run the studio, made the decision to close in July 2024. Although the “J. De Srebnicki Photo d’art” sign remains at the entrance to the Passage de la Pomme-de-Pin, the studio itself is no longer operational. The closure comes as a result of increasing issues in the city center and the ongoing deterioration of the Passage de la Pomme de Pin, according to a Facebook post from the studio.

A Changing Landscape

The studio’s window, once filled with large-format portraits, now displays tags and remnants of past services offered, including portraits, wedding photography, and identity photos. A portion of the window has been replaced with a chipboard panel, a consequence of repeated vandalism. Despite the closure, the studio’s legacy remains, a testament to a century of capturing life’s moments in the heart of Strasbourg.

Looking Ahead

The closure of Srebnicki Photo marks the end of an era for Strasbourg. While the studio may be gone, the countless portraits and memories created within its walls will continue to be cherished by generations to come.