Siam Square’s classic cinema space will be reborn as ‘Lido Connect’ next week

One year after its final curtain call, the 50-year-old movie theater Lido is being revived into a “co-cultural space” for people of all ages to hang out in. 

Renamed as Lido Connect, the Siam Square multi-purpose venue has set its grand opening to be held on August 1. The new complex will feature everything from a concert hall and movie cinema to a performance space, exhibition showcase, fashion stores and more.

Lido Connect is currently seeking artists in both categories, individuals and groups, who would like to send in proposals of how to take over its “space of opportunities” in a creative fashion. 

Photo: Lido Connect / FB
Photo: Lido Connect / FB

The former classic cinema once belonged to the Apex theater chain, then changed hands to well-known Thai record label Love Is Entertainment. The company in December announced that it partnered with Chulalongkorn University to keep the cinema’s old-school charm by redesigning some parts of the building to suit its new purposes.

The renovation has been managed by PIA Interior, the design firm behind several lifestyle and entertainment venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Central Ladprao shopping mall, and riverside hangout Lhong 1919

Photo: Lido Connect / FB
Photo: Lido Connect / FB

Lido Connect is located between Soi Siam Square 2 and Soi Siam Square 3 and is best reached by foot from BTS Siam.

Lido cinema first opened in 1968. It’s remembered by Bangkok cinephiles for its good ol’ day movie experience rarely found in the heart of the city vintage box offices, paper tickets and ushers in vibrant yellow suits. 

Unfortunately, Lido closed down after Chulalongkorn University did not renew its contract, and ceased operations on May 30, 2018, with full houses.

Photo: Lido Connect / FB
Photo: Lido Connect / FB


FIND IT:
Lido Connect is between Soi Siam Square 2 and Soi Siam Square 3
Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Opening August 1
BTS: Siam

 

RELATED:
Loved, forgotten, abandoned: Thailand’s cinemas once ruled the kingdom (PHOTOS)



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