When does the OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival take place in Mannheim?

The OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival runs from September 25 to October 18, 2026. The event date on October 7, 2026, is open from 11 AM to 6 PM.

Where does the OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival take place?

The event takes place at PORT25 – Space for Contemporary Art at Hafenstraße 25 to 27, 68159 Mannheim.

How much does admission cost?

Admission to PORT25 and the OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival is free.

What exhibitions will be on display at the festival?

The festival features nine curated exhibitions with more than 30 photographers in Mannheim and Heidelberg. Among others, works by the Hahn+Hartung Collective and Josefine Rauch are announced at PORT25.

What are the opening hours of PORT25?

PORT25 is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM.

Is the OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival an open-air event?

No. The exhibitions take place inside PORT25 – Space for Contemporary Art.

When Images Change the Present: OFF//PHOTO Discovers Mannheim's Photographic Interspaces

Name: OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival
Start: 2026-10-07T11:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-07T18:00:00+02:00
Location: PORT25 - Raum für Gegenwartskunst

OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival: Photography between Reflection and New Perspectives

At PORT25 in Mannheim, the OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival opens a concentrated space for contemporary photography from the region and beyond. On October 7, 2026, visitors will experience curated exhibitions in an atmosphere that combines exchange, careful observation, and new viewpoints.

A Festival for the Regional Photo Scene

OFF//PHOTO e.V. positions itself as a central platform for photography in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. The non-profit association was founded in 2014 as an initiative by photography enthusiasts and has focused on the local photo scene from the outset. The ZWISCHENfestival 2026 continues this tradition and presents nine curated exhibitions featuring more than 30 photographers in Mannheim and Heidelberg.

The Present as a Safe Space

The festival addresses a present in which ecological emergencies, geopolitical conflicts, and societal upheavals shake familiar certainties. The photographed positions move between reflection and escapism, crisis awareness, and the search for new perspectives. Photography becomes the medium that connects observation, memory, and societal discussions.

PORT25 as an Exhibition Venue

PORT25 – Space for Contemporary Art creates an appropriate setting for the OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival with its exhibition spaces. Between harbor atmosphere, clear architecture, and concentrated museum calm, the works unfold their impact. The festival site is located in the Mannheim harbor city and invites attendees to explore individual series of images attentively and to continue the impressions through personal exchange.

Exhibitions and Artistic Positions

Featured positions include works by the Hahn+Hartung Collective and Josefine Rauch. The Last Summer explores the fragile lightness of a summer in the shadow of global crises, while Temple Road documents hidden spaces of faith, community, and hope. The exhibitions combine documentary accuracy with poetic and conceptual approaches.

Festival Atmosphere for Photography Fans

The OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival is aimed at photography enthusiasts, art aficionados, and individuals who wish to view current social issues from unfamiliar perspectives. Instead of a classic main stage, curated spaces, image series, and conversations take center stage. This creates an intense multi-day experience throughout the entire festival and a lively community feeling around photography in the Rhine-Neckar region.

Conclusion

The OFF//PHOTO ZWISCHENfestival connects the regional photo scene, contemporary art, and societal reflection at a special Mannheim exhibition venue. Those who want to experience photography not just as observation but as an invitation to think and engage will find an inspiring festival experience at PORT25. Admission is free.