Convocation Hall (University of Toronto)
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
- ^ Raymer, Elizabeth (2006). "Alumni Launch Campaign to Restore Convocation Hall". University of Toronto Magazine (Spring 2006). Retrieved 2009-07-18.
- ^ Duffy, Dennis (2002). "As Canadian as a Snowflake". University of Toronto Magazine (Spring 2002). Retrieved 2009-07-18.
- ^ University of Toronto - News@UofT - Your Thoughts - Celebrating Convocation Hall's centennial (Jun 14/07)
- ^ 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
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