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<\/p>\n
A heartbeat that began in 1898<\/h6>\n
El Molino<\/em> is no ordinary theatre \u2014 it is a symbol. Opened in 1898 as\u00a0La Pajarera Catalana<\/em>, it was renamed\u00a0Petit Moulin Rouge<\/em>\u00a0in 1910, taking inspiration from its Parisian counterpart. Soon, it became one of the most emblematic venues of bohemian, rebellious Barcelona, where cabaret, cupl\u00e9 and political satire mingled with an effervescent nightlife.<\/p>\n Throughout the 20th century, El Molino<\/em> served as a refuge for artists, thinkers, comedians and misfits \u2014 a place where norms were broken, and difference was celebrated. Its stage hosted icons such as\u00a0La Bella Dorita<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Lita Claver “La Ma\u00f1a”<\/em>, and its facade \u2014 those unmistakable red blades against the city skyline \u2014 became a cultural landmark.<\/p>\n But the story wasn\u2019t without shadows: closures, decline, failed revivals. Until now. In 2024, El Molino<\/em> isn\u2019t just reopening \u2014 it\u2019s being reborn, with a fresh, cross-disciplinary energy that feels thoroughly contemporary.<\/p>\n This new chapter for El Molino<\/em> is not a nostalgic restoration, but a bold cultural and strategic vision. With a capacity of 250, the space has been redesigned as an intimate club, with a warm and immersive atmosphere. Here, each show becomes a complete experience: live music, moody lighting, curated dining and signature cocktails.<\/p>\n The aim is clear: to establish El Molino<\/em> as an international reference for soulful music.<\/p>\n While jazz takes centre stage, the venue also opens its doors to soul, contemporary flamenco, global folk, and acoustic singer-songwriters. The programme reflects diversity and artistic quality, bringing back that unique spirit of fusion so characteristic of this venue.<\/p>\n Since its reopening, El Molino has hosted top-tier artists. Its stage has seen performances by Donald Harrison<\/em>, Eliane Elias<\/em>, Kahil El\u2019Zabar Quartet<\/em>, Bill Frisell<\/em>, Uri Caine<\/em>, Ayo<\/em>, Fatoumata Diawara<\/em>, Eliades Ochoa<\/em>, and emerging Catalan talent Julia Blum<\/em>. And this is just the beginning.<\/p>\n The artistic direction focuses not only on musical excellence but also on diversity and inclusion \u2014 embracing different generations, cultures and genres. The goal: to build community, connect with a wide-ranging audience, and deliver experiences that resonate.<\/p>\n In addition to concerts, El Molino<\/em> has launched the\u00a0Hil\u00e0ria Club de Com\u00e8dia<\/em>, a weekly comedy night filled with fresh, original monologues. And on weekends, the venue transforms into a vibrant club, with DJs spinning vinyl classics and cutting-edge electronica in equal measure.<\/p>\n The El Molino<\/em> experience extends far beyond the stage. Guests can enjoy a menu of signature tapas, natural wines, craft cocktails and locally sourced drinks. The culinary offering is curated with the same care as the artistic programming \u2014 the aim is for every visit to feel like a fully sensorial journey.<\/p>\n Interior design also plays a central role in this new era. Led by studio External Reference<\/em>, the d\u00e9cor blends cabaret charm with contemporary materials, resulting in a space that feels both theatrical and intimate. Every detail pays tribute to the venue\u2019s legacy while speaking in a modern design language.<\/p>\n El Molino<\/em>\u2019s revival is part of a wider movement to reinvigorate the cultural life of the Paral\u00b7lel \u2014 once the beating heart of Barcelona\u2019s nightlife.<\/p>\n Today, alongside venues like Apolo<\/em>, Barts<\/em> and Paral\u00b7lel 62<\/em>, El Molino<\/em> is helping restore this historic avenue\u2019s cultural prominence.<\/p>\n The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Jazz lovers, creatives, curious travellers, and local audiences of all ages have embraced the new El Molino<\/em>. There was clearly a hunger for a space like this.<\/p>\n What\u2019s more, the venue has committed to working with music schools, cultural institutions, and community groups \u2014 becoming a space for learning, inclusion and local connection.<\/p>\n Tickets can be purchased online, and many events include a drink or dinner pairing. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, as shows tend to sell out quickly due to the venue\u2019s limited capacity.<\/p>\n To speak of the new El Molino<\/em> is to speak of a space where memory and modernity co-exist. Where the echo of cabaret rings out through notes of jazz. Where the irreverence of the past merges with the sophistication of the present. Where every night becomes a tribute to creativity.<\/p>\n In an era where many cities are losing their unique venues to generic or overcrowded offerings, El Molino<\/em> stands as a luminous exception. A testament to how a historic space can be reborn without losing its soul. Proof that culture can be bold yet accessible, ambitious yet welcoming.<\/p>\n Yes, El Molino<\/em> is back. But not as a museum piece of Barcelona\u2019s past \u2014 rather, as a living, breathing venue to experience the present intensely. And above all, a place to imagine new futures, through music, art and shared emotion.<\/p>\n (*)<\/strong> Photos courtesy of El Molino. Photographers: V\u00edctor Parre\u00f1o and Xavi Torrent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" From rebellious cabaret to contemporary cultural epicentre Now under the direction of Barcelona Events Musicals (BEM), the organisation behind the Cru\u00eflla Festival, El Molino has been reborn as a stage for jazz, soul, flamenco, folk and singer-songwriter performances. A 21st-century theatre that honours its legacy while fearlessly embracing the future, with a programme that blends […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":88297,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5912,5911,5909,5908,5906,5903,5901,5900],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-88330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bars","category-hotspots-en","category-barcelona-en","category-cities","category-music","category-culture-en","category-artists","category-art-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nA project with a clear identity<\/h6>\n
\u201cThe aim is to establish El Molino as an international reference for soulful music.\u201d<\/h2>\n
A line-up that captivates<\/h6>\n
Gastronomy, design and immersive experience<\/h6>\n
\u201cThe El Molino experience extends far beyond the stage.\u201d<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ccmagazine.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/El-Molino6_XaviTorrent.jpg\")
<\/p>\nA new pulse for the Paral\u00b7lel<\/h6>\n
\u201cInterior design also plays a central role led by studio External Reference.\u201d<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ccmagazine.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/El-Molino7_Victor-Parreno.jpg\")
<\/p>\nEl Molino today: between memory and modernity<\/h6>\n