The Rex Cinema located in the Santiago neighborhood in downtown Mérida has been sporting a renovated façade for days. According to what was announced through social networks, this space would reopen in 2025 with the name Starhaus Cinema Rex.
The specialized page CineXtesia Accion announced that the building has already been painted and the letters and logos have already been added. It is expected that one of the 2 rooms it had will open and start operating like this, while the other room will be divided into 2 smaller rooms. Once the 2 rooms are completed, they will be opened to the public and the first room that was working will be divided into 2 smaller rooms to finally have 4 rooms.
This is for having more space and attracting more people to be able to show more films at the same time.
The Rex Cinema has been a cultural landmark since its inauguration on January 13, 1949, when it presented its first performance with the film “Man-Eater of Kumaon.” This cinema stood out for its elegant Art Deco design, with a large room, ornamental lamps, and a lobby adorned with mirrors, offering a unique cinematographic experience for the people of Merida.
Over the years, the Rex Cinema underwent various transformations. In 1998, it was remodeled and converted into a two-screen complex under the management of the defunct Cines Hollywood chain. Later, in 2011, it became part of the Cinemex chain, adapting to new trends in film entertainment.
However, on March 30, 2023, Cine Rex closed its doors, marking the end of an era for autonomous cinemas in Mérida. This closure represented a significant loss for the community, as the cinema had witnessed countless love stories and family moments, being a meeting point in the heart of the city.
Despite its temporary closure, the legacy of Cine Rex endures in the collective memory of Mérida, symbolizing a golden age of cinema and neighborhood life that characterized the city for much of the 20th century.
So far there is no exact date for the reopening of that beloved cinema.
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