Last updated: February 6, 2025
Thing to Do
History Exhibit - The Amazing Kolb Brothers
NPS/Photo
The Amazing Kolb Brothers:
A Grand Life at Grand Canyon
Kolb Studio is open 8 am to 6 pm daily.
If you are planning a visit to Historic Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim this year? We encourage you to stop by Kolb Studio to check out the Amazing Kolb Brothers Exhibit where you can learn about the grand adventures of pioneer photographers, Emery and Ellsworth Kolb.
From capturing unorthodox photos of hard-to-reach areas of the canyon, to documenting their 101 days running the Colorado River with a hand-crank motion-picture camera, Emery and Ellsworth revealed images that few could have imagined.
Selling their images in the studio in leather-bound books for three dollars each and touring the country to present their film lecture series, the Kolb brothers made a name for themselves and helped to open the eyes of a nation to this wonder of the world.
By taking daily photos of mule trips entering the canyon, it is estimated that the studio made photographs of more than 1.5 million park visitors over the 73 years it was in operation. (1903 through 1976)
Today, Historic Kolb Studio is open year-round and in addition to the exhibit hall, there is a bookstore/shop, and information desk - all operated by Grand Canyon Conservancy.
Details
Duration
10-45 Minutes
Some take a quick walk through to experience the building's interior. Others spend more time and learn the story of the Kolb Brothers by reading indepth information presented in the exhibits.
Activity
Museum Exhibits
See the Amazing Kolb Brothers; a Grand Life at Grand Canyon Exhibit - at Kolb Studio, house-turned-museum, perched perilously on the precipice in Historic Grand Canyon Village.
Examine their antique cameras, study a collection of Grand Canyon paintings by plein-air artists through the decades, and watch the motion picture of their 1912 "Journey by Boat" down the Colorado River. Above the exhibit hall is a small bookstore/shop operated by Grand Canyon Conservancy.
Age(s)
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Kolb Studio
Kolb Studio is located in the Historic District of Grand Canyon Village, just west of Bright Angel Lodge, and near Bright Angel Trailhead. The historic, sprawling, 5-story and 23-room Kolb Studio is perched right on the rim of Grand Canyon. From the Village and Hermit Road bus stops at Hermit Road Interchange, it is a short walk east (towards the village) and up the hill to Bright Angel Trailhead and Kolb Studio.
Reservations
No
Season
Winter, Spring, Summer
Time of Day
Day
During Winter 2025, Kolb Studio is open from 8 am to 6 pm.
Accessibility Information
The upper level bookstore/shop is accessible. 17 steps descend from the upper level into the exhibit hall. Wheelchair access to the exhibit hall can sometimes be arranged by asking an employee in the store. (This depends upon staff availablility and may not be possible when there is snow or ice by the downstairs entrance).