Judge banned works and installations on Boulevard São João due to risk of harm to the population
A suspended, this Wednesday (May 27, 2026), the city hall project, the . The initiative included the installation of light panels on buildings at the intersection of Ipiranga and São João avenues, in the center of the capital. Read (PDF – 35 kB).
Magistrate Celina Kiyomi Toyoshima prohibited the start of “any works, installations or interventions related to the project”. The initiative was in April by the mayor of São Paulo, (MDB), and by the governor of São Paulo, (Republicans).
The determination covers the assembly of panels in the Cine Paris República, Herculano de Almeida, Galeria Sampa and New York buildings. It also prevents projections mapped onto the Independência II Building. The judge set a daily fine for non-compliance.
The judge based the granting of the measure on the “magnitude of the project, the impact on the region, as well as the potential harm to the entire population”. The popular action questioned the legality of the initiative.
UNDERSTAND THE PROJECT
The bright screens were expected to go into operation between the end of August and the beginning of September. The State has no direct involvement in the initiative. The region received the nickname “São Paulo Times Square” in reference to the New York tourist spot.
The project involves a technical cooperation agreement between the City of São Paulo and Fábrica de Bares, responsible for the administration of Bar Brahma, which will be responsible for the restoration of the buildings and the region.
In return, the company will have the right to install 4 panels on the corner of Ipiranga and São João avenues. In LEDs, the proposal was that around 70% of the content would be destined for digital arts and cultural events. The other 30% would be allocated to sponsored content.
The idea is to close the street to vehicles from 6pm on Saturday until 11pm on Sunday. In the region, according to the administration, small stages would be installed for musical performances, as well as spaces for pets with an adoption fair, gastronomic fair and crafts.
O Poder360 He contacted the São Paulo city council via email to ask if he would like to comment on the State Court’s decision to block the project and if he intended to file an appeal. There was no response until the publication of this report. The text will be updated if a statement is sent to this digital newspaper.
