Under a number of different names and managers, the structure served as a circus, menagerie, theatre, a roller rink, and a branch of the Peniel Mission.

A group of New York businessmen known as the Zoological Institute or the Flatfoots built the structure in 1833 as the site for a menagerie and circus performances.

The next season saw a return to equestrian exhibitions under the management of Henry P. Madigan and Den W. Stone.

A succession of managers sustained this mixture until the 1863-1864 season, when the Stadt Theater moved to 45 Bowery, where it remained for 8 years, before returning to its original location.

The New National Circus stayed open for six weeks for its final stint as an entertainment venue.

[citation needed] In December 1897, 39 Bowery became the first East Coast branch of the Peniel Mission.