The autonomous cultural center WUK (short for Werkstätten- und Kulturhaus) in Vienna is considered one of the biggest complexes of its kind in Europe.

It is rooted in the ideas and demands of the seventies for spaces to enable contemporary cultural activities.

In 1978, the “Verein zur Schaffung offener Kultur- und Werkstättenhäuser”, an association initiated by artists and socio-political activists, developed from this movement. Its main goal was the realization of a notion of culture comprising all aspects of life. Looking for a place to make their ideas materialize together, they found an empty and dilapidated factory building. The early industrial complex from the 19th century had served as a locomotive factory, museum of technology and school until 1980.

In 1981, after protracted negotiations with the authorities and a number of political actions, it was peacefully squatted by the “Verein zur Schaffung offener Kultur- und Werkstättenhäuser”. The red brick structure amidst the 9th district of Vienna was transformed into the “Werkstätten- & Kulturhaus”, an autonomous, self-governed cultural center, a place for cultural workers of all kinds.