Jump to content

Convocation Hall (University of Toronto): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 43°39′38.50″N 79°23′43.50″W / 43.6606944°N 79.3954167°W / 43.6606944; -79.3954167
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary
revert: erroneous
Line 4: Line 4:


Convocation Hall was built with funds raised by university alumni, as the need became apparent for a considerably larger ceremonial auditorium beyond the confines of [[University College, University of Toronto|University College]].<ref>[http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/thoughts/070614-3242.asp University of Toronto - News@UofT - Your Thoughts - Celebrating Convocation Hall's centennial (Jun 14/07)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The cornerstone was laid in 1904 and the construction completed three years later at almost twice the originally estimated cost. The building became equipped with air conditioning in 1997<ref>[http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin/bulletin/june9_97/art20.htm U. of T. The Bulletin, June 9, 1997, Articles<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and in 2007 celebrated its centennial.
Convocation Hall was built with funds raised by university alumni, as the need became apparent for a considerably larger ceremonial auditorium beyond the confines of [[University College, University of Toronto|University College]].<ref>[http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin6/thoughts/070614-3242.asp University of Toronto - News@UofT - Your Thoughts - Celebrating Convocation Hall's centennial (Jun 14/07)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The cornerstone was laid in 1904 and the construction completed three years later at almost twice the originally estimated cost. The building became equipped with air conditioning in 1997<ref>[http://www.news.utoronto.ca/bin/bulletin/june9_97/art20.htm U. of T. The Bulletin, June 9, 1997, Articles<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and in 2007 celebrated its centennial.

If one were to visit Convocation Hall, the large organ pipes near the upper front of the hall, above the main stage resemble those that also appear in most churches. Seeing how Convocation Hall was also built in the early 1900's, one could tell that the style of convocation hall is very similar to that of most churches built in the age of Magnificence (1600's-1800's) possibly meaning that the original intent of the builder was to build a church in what is now the heart of the University of Toronto Campus. However, the main purpose of the Hall today is for academic lectures, as well as presentations from famous speakers or large organizations that take place throughout the year.


==Non-academic use==
==Non-academic use==

Revision as of 03:12, 27 October 2010

Convocation Hall
The oculus at the top of the hall's dome

Convocation Hall is a domed rotunda on the grounds of the University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Designed by Pearson and Darling and completed in 1907, it was inspired by the grand theatre of Sorbonne and the Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford.[1] The building primarily serves as the venue for the annual convocation ceremonies, in addition to hosting academic and social functions throughout the year.[2]

Convocation Hall was built with funds raised by university alumni, as the need became apparent for a considerably larger ceremonial auditorium beyond the confines of University College.[3] The cornerstone was laid in 1904 and the construction completed three years later at almost twice the originally estimated cost. The building became equipped with air conditioning in 1997[4] and in 2007 celebrated its centennial.

Non-academic use

Songs on Premiata Forneria Marconi's album Live in USA were recorded at the hall in 1974. Bob Marley & The Wailers performed two shows of the Rastaman Vibration Tour there in 1976.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe gave an address to a capacity crowd there in the 1980's.

The building hosted a recording of musician Hayden's live album, titled simply Live at Convocation Hall, in 2002. In 2007, former Vice President of the United States Al Gore delivered a public lecture on climate change at Convocation Hall and presented his documentary film, An Inconvenient Truth. In 2009, Michael Ignatieff was at the hall to launch his book, True Patriot Love.

The building appears in the film Mean Girls and in the pilot episode of the television series Fringe.

References

  1. ^ Raymer, Elizabeth (2006). "Alumni Launch Campaign to Restore Convocation Hall". University of Toronto Magazine (Spring 2006). Retrieved 2009-07-18.
  2. ^ Duffy, Dennis (2002). "As Canadian as a Snowflake". University of Toronto Magazine (Spring 2002). Retrieved 2009-07-18.
  3. ^ University of Toronto - News@UofT - Your Thoughts - Celebrating Convocation Hall's centennial (Jun 14/07)
  4. ^ U. of T. The Bulletin, June 9, 1997, Articles

43°39′38.50″N 79°23′43.50″W / 43.6606944°N 79.3954167°W / 43.6606944; -79.3954167