In 1975, the Arena moved to a derelict former slaughterhouse (Auslandsschlachthof) for performances of Jérôme Savary's Grand Magic Circus.

On June 27, 1976, when the performances of a musical ended their run at the Arena, the audience was encouraged to stay and squat in the buildings.

[9] Thousands of people attended events until October, when the Arena was relinquished, as a result of both internal squabbles and pressure from the City Council.

[10][11] Alongside other still existing projects such as the Amerlingerhaus, Ernst-Kirchweger-Haus and WUK (Werkstätten und Kulturhaus), the Arena is a product of the 1970s and 1980s autonomous movement in Vienna.

[12] The Arena has become an important centre for alternative culture in Vienna, hosting concerts, exhibitions and an open-air cinema in the courtyard.