The Monument to host Monument Masterclasses – a series of one-off expert events high above the city streets
- The Monument is to open its doors after hours to host a series of exclusive evening masterclass events: from immersive storytelling experience Stairwell Stories to urban birdwatching and talks from some of the city’s best-known speakers programmed with 5x15
- Each event explores the evolving relationship between nature and the built environment of the City
- Takes place once a month, September – November
- Arrive: [7pm for 7.15pm start]. Each event lasts approximately 1 hour
- Limited availability through Eventbrite. See website for event listings: www.themonument.org.uk
The Monument, one of London’s most historic attractions, is opening its doors after hours to host an exclusive series of one-off masterclassevents and workshops: from one of the best vantage points high above the streets of London.
From intimate live storytelling event Stairwell Stories to a masterclass in urban bird watching, and a series of talks programmed in partnership with 5x15, each event will explore the theme of the evolving relationship between nature and the built environment, taking inspiration from a constantly changing city skyline still shaped by the lasting impact of the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Don a pair of binoculars to take to the skies above the City with David Lindo AKA The Urban Birder for a one-off chance to discover the wealth of avian wildlife available to view right on The Monument’s doorstep. Taking place on 7 September, David will teach budding twitchers how to take full advantage of one of the City’s best viewing platforms and learn to distinguish between the many peregrines, buzzards and swift that populate London’s busy skyline.
With the help of popular NTS storytelling radio show Nyx Chariot and international storyteller Nell Phoenix, Stairwell Stories makes a return to The Monument on 5 October to recount original tales from the City inspired by the famous Monument. Designed to unlock guests’ imaginations and leave them spellbound, the stories will be streamed live through headphones beginning at the bottom of The Monument to immerse guests as they climb the 311 step spiral staircase to take in the panoramic views of the City and riverbank from one of London’s best vantage points.
Following on from the success of Simon Callow’s poetry reading during the Great Fire 350 commemorations, on 9 November, some of the city’s best-known voices will entertain an audience with tales of the city streets below. Speakers will tell their story in a one-off event beginning in the piazza and ending on the famous viewing platform at the top of The Monument.
The Monument, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1671-1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London, is 202ft high and stands 202ft from where the fire started in Pudding Lane. It is the tallest isolated stone column in the world and has been open to visitors for over 300 years. Today it welcomes over 200,000 visitors every year.
Masterclass tickets are £20 per person and can be booked through www.themonument.org.uk
Visitor information: http://www.themonument.org.uk
This event may not be suitable for those with special access needs. Contact The Monument for further information.
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