Gota de Leche, Social welfare building in Lota, Chile

Gota de Leche is a building in neocolonial style with decorative elements on floors and walls, designed by architect Hernán Vega Pérez in 1928 in Lota Alto. The facility offered free milk and reduced-cost baby bottles to families in need.

The facility was founded by philanthropist Isidora Goyenechea to support coal miners' children and combat malnutrition and infant mortality in the region. This project arose from the mining community's need for social assistance.

The name "Gota de Leche" (drop of milk) came from the first Chilean institutions created to fight child malnutrition and infant mortality, backed by the Patronato Nacional de la Infancia. In Lota the philanthropist Isidora Goyenechea founded the institution for workers' children; after her death it took her name. Free milk, low-cost baby bottles and childcare classes for mothers were provided here.

The building stands in Lota, in the Biobío Region, and is listed as a national monument, so it is not open to visitors as a museum. Its neocolonial facade and the decorative elements on the floors and walls are best examined from outside in daylight. Check locally before travelling, since the sources give no opening times or access details.

The building has carried the name Isidora Cousiño since the philanthropist's death, honouring the founder of Lota's milk station. It has held national monument status since 2012, in the Historical Monument category, and its decorative floors and walls by architect Hernán Vega Pérez are the elements to look for.