A visit to the village of Paranapiacaba becomes even more special with a stop at Cine Lyra! With over 120 years of history, the venue captures the essence of the working-class village and takes us back to a time when the population found refuge from daily life in art.
Today, the cinema is protected by heritage agencies and preserves its century-old architecture. Its programming includes the Cineclube Cine Lyra, a partnership between the local city government and Pontos MIS, which offers free screenings of award-winning Brazilian and international films.
Learn about the history of São Paulo’s oldest movie theater
Originally opened in 1903, the building was built to house the Sociedade Recreativa Lyra da Serra. At that time, the hall served as a gathering place for employees of the Santos-Jundiaí railway, offering music lessons and cultural activities.
The first film screenings took place in the old hall, which led to the creation of Cine Lyra. It was the first movie theater in São Paulo and the second in the entire country, second only to the historic screenings by the Lumière brothers in Rio de Janeiro in 1896.
Over the years, however, audiences migrated to other cultural venues, such as the Clube União Lyra Serrano. As a result, Cine Lyra closed its doors in 1936 and was converted into a residential area, entering a hiatus that lasted nearly 90 years.
The rebirth of Cine Lyra!
For decades, the oldest cinema in Brazil still in operation was the Olympia, built in 1912. After years of neglect, the Cine Lyra reopened its doors in 2024 and once again took its place as a pioneer.
To this end, the complex underwent a meticulous restoration that adapted the space to modern needs without compromising its historical legacy. The renovation included the refurbishment of the multipurpose building, screening room, playroom, foyer, and projection tower, as well as the installation of outdoor restrooms.
In addition to checking out Cine Lyra’s film lineup, visitors have the opportunity to explore the historical relics in its surroundings. After all, the cinema is located across from Casa Fox, a museum that preserves the furnishings and lifestyle of former railroad workers.
