The original Wintercircus was built in 1895. A big fire destroyed the place in 1920. The circus was rebuilt in 1923 by architect Jules-Pascal Ledoux. The circus was one of the biggest permanent circus sites in Europe. The concrete building had place for 3400 visitors that could watch circus shows, theater and movies.

In 1944 the last show was given, the doors were closed for almost three years when the building was sold to garage owner and car collector Mahy.

In 1978 Mahy left the circus and the building became abandoned again. The building was used as storage and very recent as an exhibition for photographer Vanfletteren.

Plans to reconvert the circus as a film theater were never put into action. New plans for re-use as a library are under review.