Recently we found ourselves at Siam Square, the old favorite shopping, hangout and social ground in the center or the Siam area of Bangkok.  Popular with all due to its abundance of shopping malls of different styles (Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, MBK Center), this neighborhood really has it all.  

One of the oldest resident buildings here is the Lido Theatre.  After 50 years in service, it closed down in 2018 for a full renovation.  Previous to this, it was a popular theatre as well as a shopping complex with rows of small market-like stalls on the ground floor and businesses from graphic design firms to tattoo parlors on the second floor.

It recently opened again in 2019 after a full interior remodel, as Lido Connect. The renovation respects the former style and simplicity of the old building while adding modern touches to help embellish the space, and create spaces for music, performance and other cultural arts.  It is still a hub of activity for visitors and the students of the neighboring Chulalongkorn University.

 

Coffee shops, clothing stores and businesses still coexist here, with a series of arthouse films and old favorites being played in the theatres upstairs.  

Next time you are in the area, stop by to take a walk through on your way or catch one of the unique films!