1976: Occupation of the Arena

Since 1970, an alternative events listing, Arena, appeared in the programme of the Wiener Festwochen (Vienna Festival). This “festival for young people” appeared in 1975 for the first time on the grounds of the former St. Marx slaughterhouse, which was intended for sale and demolition by the City of Vienna. In 1976, Arena took place here again; following the closing event on June 27, guests remained on the grounds, proclaiming it occupied. The occupiers – intellectuals, artists and youth – requested that the municipality give up on its demolition plans and, instead, create a independent year-round cultural centre. At the same time, the occupiers organised a utopic city within the city on the 70,000 m² site, in which to experience a new understanding of culture. Festivals with free concerts, readings and theatre productions pulled in thousands of guests, social initiatives became active here, marginalised groups, such as runaway youth, found temporary space here. After three months, the city ended the experience; on October 12, the demolition began.

Despite its failure, the occupation of Arena is considered a key event in the urban history of Vienna: it is remembered by witnesses as the “Viennese 1968”, and it influenced many cultural, media, and political initiatives, which fundamentally changed the city in the years to come.