1820 Settlers Monument

The 1820 Settlers Monument (also referred to as the 1820 Settlers National Monument) is a memorial built to commemorate the contributions made by English-speaking settlers to South Africa.

Initiated and supported by the 1820 Settlers Foundation and originally built with matched funding from the government, it unlike any other monument because, since its opening on 13 July 1974, this superbly equipped building has been a centre of creative thought and activity. It has several venues, making it an ideal multi-purpose destination for conferences, conventions and festivals. These include the Fountain Court, the Guy Butler Theatre (originally the Monument Theatre), the Council Chamber, the Thomas Pringle Hall, Ntsikana Gallery, Atherstone Room and Yellowwood Terrace, the Olive Schreiner Hall, the Visitors Lounge and the Monument Restaurant.

This concept of a living monument led to the establishment of highly successful educational and cultural projects, including the world-renowned Grahamstown Festival (later formally referred to as the National Arts Festival or NAF). The Monument is now used by well over 200 000 people a year from all South African groups.