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 is 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:

Guy Butler Theatre (originally the Monument Theatre)
Olive Schreiner Hall
Thomas Pringle Hall
Fountain Foyer
The Bunker
Council Chamber
Monument Restaurant
Ntsikana Gallery, Atherstone Room and Yellowwood Terrace
Rehearsal Room
B2 Arena
Gallery in the Round
Monument Gallery

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.

The Fountain Foyer exhibited 24 large panels of art, painted by Cecil Skotnes, commissioned in 1984 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Monument.

The Monument was seriously damaged by fire in August 1994, and the building required extensive restoration. It was subsequently rebuilt. The building was re-dedicated by President Nelson Mandela in May 1996.