Arena, Vienna


Arena is a cultural centre in Vienna, Austria. From its 1970s origins in an abandoned former slaughterhouse used for the Vienna Festival, the Arena grew into a centre for alternative culture. It is located at Baumgasse 80 in the Landstraße district.

History

The Arena traces its origin to when the director of the Vienna Festival, Ulrich Baumgartner, hosted theatre and cabaret productions from across Europe in the Museum of the 20th Century, which is now the 21er Haus. In 1975, the Arena moved to a derelict former slaughterhouse, the Arena is a product of the 1970s and 1980s autonomous movement in Vienna.

Activities

The Arena has become an important centre for alternative culture in Vienna, hosting concerts, exhibitions and an open-air cinema in the courtyard. Alongside the large hall, which has hosted bands like Arctic Monkeys and Sonic Youth, there are two smaller rooms for events.

In popular culture