Barcelona’s Iconic Venue ‘El Molino’ Returns with a Bang
Barcelona’s beloved “El Molino” is making a spectacular return this October, with a dazzling revival led by the creative minds behind Cruïlla.
El Molino Barcelona. Photo: Barcelona City Council.
Barcelona’s beloved El Molino is making a spectacular return this October, with a dazzling revival led by the creative minds behind Cruïlla. The historic theater, which has been a staple of the city’s cultural scene for over a century, is reopening its doors with a fresh vision and a lineup that promises to dazzle.
Today’s press event was a who’s who of Barcelona’s cultural elite, including Mayor Jaume Collboni and Xavier Marcé, the city’s Culture and Creative Industries Councillor. Also present were Victor Partido, who’s stepping in as the new director of El Molino, and Jordi Herreruela, the mastermind behind the Cruïlla Festival, which will now oversee El Molino’s operations.
Mayor Collboni couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, hailing the reopening as a major win for the city’s cultural fabric. “El Molino is more than just a theater; it’s a symbol of Barcelona’s vibrant artistic soul,” he said. He also touched on plans to revitalize the surrounding area, including the nearby Teatre Arnau, which is set to begin its renovation soon.
Jordi Herreruela expressed gratitude to all the collaborators involved, highlighting the venue’s rich history as a hub for bohemian culture and avant-garde performances since 1910. “El Molino has always been a space where diverse cultures and ideas collide. It’s a place where the old meets the new, and that’s exactly what we’re aiming to continue.”
The venue’s new direction includes drawing inspiration from iconic music spots like New York’s Blue Note, a place that has been a home for us at TMN in NYC, and London’s Ronnie Scott’s. El Molino will host intimate concerts featuring top international artists while also spotlighting local talent.
A major part of the revamped experience will be its upscale dining and cocktail offerings, blending gastronomic delights with top-notch performances. Expect a nod to El Molino’s origins as a lively venue with a rich tradition of a variety of genres such as jazz, flamenco, folk, and, of course, humor.
Victor Partido, the newly appointed director, is excited about the venue’s future. Known for his work with Joana Serrat and the Festival Altaveu, Partido is keen to showcase a diverse range of genres from jazz and avant-rock to flamenco and folk. “We want El Molino to be the go-to spot for Barcelona’s niche music scenes, where exceptional food and great music go hand in hand,” he said.
“We want El Molino to be the go-to spot for Barcelona’s niche music scenes, where exceptional food and great music go hand in hand”
Mark your calendars for October 27, when El Molino will kick off its grand reopening with a special inaugural celebration. Regular programming will start on November 1, featuring shows from Wednesday to Sunday with two sessions each night. Expect everything from acclaimed jazz acts like Donald Harrison, Lakecia Benjamin (who we recently covered at her spectacular gig at the Embassy of Australia in Washington, DC during the DC Jazz Fest), and Eliane Elias to exciting local performances.
For a sneak peek at the lineup and to grab tickets, check out www.elmolinobarcelona.com. It looks like El Molino is ready to make waves again!
From left to right: Victor Partido, the newly appointed director of El Molino; Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni; Cruïlla Director Jordi Herreruela; and Xavier Marcé, the city’s Culture and Creative Industries Councillor during the press conference at El Molino on September 16th. Photo: Barcelona City Council.
