Opened on September 6, 1952 and located on the banks of the Capibaribe River and at the head of the most modern bridge of the city at the time, Ponte Duarte Coelho Bridge, São Luiz became one of the most emblematic cinemas in Recife, prevailing for this art its classic conception, with exhibition in Theater Cinema. In 2008 the building was put under the care of FUNDARPE ( Pernambuco Historic and Artistic patrimony Fundation) as a historical monument by the State Government.