During my first visit to Buenos Aires in March/April 1996, there was a Thursday night milonga being held on the first floor above the Confiteria del Molino at the corner of Rivadavia and Callao. At the time, I had no idea of the history of this building. It is across the street from the Nacional Congreso, and many years ago it was an informal meeting place for politicians.
I regularly pass the intersection walking to a nearby milonga or on my way downtown by bus. I've often recalled the night I attended the Milonga del Molino which lasted only six months. The entrada was $8 at the time, and many could not afford it. I had heard rumors that something was being done to renovate Confiteria del Molino, but hadn't read anything about it. A few days ago I passed by on the bus and noticed that there was cleaning being done to the building at the first floor level, a sign of progress. I thought about walking over there one day to inquire about it. The Sunday, November 7 edition of La Nacion contained a notice that there will be a new stage of the Open Studio in Confiteria Molino, organized by the Secretaria of Culture of the city of Buenos Aires. The city heritage committee is appropriating a subsidy of $80,000US to encourage the owners of La Confiteria del Molino to renovate the building. This important city landmark is getting a facelift. The windmill at the top is about ready to collapse. Help in finally on the way.
