Barcelona's iconic El Molino theatre will permanently close its doors on 30 June. The historic venue stands on Paral.lel avenue. Its current operator, Barcelona Events Musicals (BEM), is renouncing the municipal concession it secured in a public tender in 2024.
Sources from BEM confirmed the closure to EFE, a Spanish news agency. This followed El Periódico's initial report. The company stated that managers will make the closure effective on 30 June. Until then, the venue will operate as usual, opening on weekends. The final performance at El Molino is scheduled for 27 June.
Reasons for Early Concession End
BEM also organises the Cruïlla festival. The company indicated the closure stems from problems at the venue in recent months. Specifically, neighbour complaints necessitated soundproofing works at the premises. These issues also led to a reduction in the theatre's operating hours, limiting performances to weekends only. The company had obtained the administrative concession for a four-year period in October 2024.
A Century of Cabaret History
El Molino, a legendary venue for cabaret audiences, first opened in 1898. It closed for the first time in 1997 before reopening in 2010. Ociopuro managed the venue for a period, but declared insolvency. The Ajuntament de Barcelona (Barcelona City Council) then purchased the property in 2021. The city council then granted BEM the management concession in 2024. Since its reopening by BEM, the theatre has operated as a small-capacity venue, accommodating 250 spectators. It has hosted live musical acts, ranging from jazz to singer-songwriters.
Impact on Barcelona's Cultural Scene
The Paral.lel avenue, where El Molino stands, is a significant cultural artery in Barcelona. It is historically known for its many theatres, music halls, and entertainment venues. The permanent closure of El Molino removes a key piece of this heritage. It also impacts the city's small-scale live music scene.
The permanent closure of El Molino marks the end of an era for one of Barcelona's most emblematic entertainment spaces. Its future remains uncertain following BEM's decision to end its four-year concession early.
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Originally published by El País Barcelona. Read original article.
