All About Hart House at U of T

Hart House is the University of Toronto’s arts and recreation hub. It’s the heart and soul of the U of T campus. Students new to the university will be amazed at the number of activities that go on at Hart House on a daily basis.

U of T Clubs

First and foremost, Hart House is host to many weekly U of T club and committee meetings such as debating, photography, art, investment, chorus, jazz, bridge and chess clubs throughout its numerous elegant rooms on its first, second and third floors. Hart House is also a popular place to connect with U of T friends.

Studying at Hart House

For casual studying, the first floor recreation room just to the left of the main reception desk has couches and a pool table. For concentrated study, the Hart House library at the top of the stairs on the second floor is the place to go. Packed with red leather couches and floor to ceiling oak bookcases, the library will take you back a century. Try and nab a chair by the large casement windows that overlook the front campus and University College.

Eating at Hart House

As far as food options go, Hart House’s Sammy’s Exchange on the lower level offers Canadian, vegetarian and Halal food and the adjoining Arbor Room features Open Mic on Thursdays and live jazz on Friday evenings. When it’s warmer, take your meal outside and sit at the tables on the patio. For an exquisite meal in an airy room with vaulted oak ceilings, check out the Gallery Grill at Hart House , which is open for lunch during the week and brunch on weekends. The Hart House Gallery Grill overlooks Hart House’s Great Hall, a majestic meeting space that is frequently rented out for weddings.

Fitness at Hart House

Hart House’s gym is on the lower level and has an indoor running track, a free weights room, Nautilus strength-training equipment, treadmills, stationary bikes and rowing machines, as well as squash courts and a 25-yard swimming pool. Fitness, boot camp, step, yoga, Pilates, cyclefit, belly dance and Latin dancing classes are taught throughout the week. There’s even an archery club, but membership fills up quickly. Membership at Hart House’s gym is included in U of T tuition and is also available to the public at an annual fee of $790 per year.

Theatre and Arts at Hart House

Hart House hosts many evenings with its community partners such as wine tastings, poetry readings and U of T alumni dinners. In addition, the Hart House Theatre, which is accessed outside just to the right of the main entrance, performs highly-acclaimed theatre. The 2011/2012 season at Hart House Theatre includes The Great American Trailer Park Musical, The Gentleman Caller, MacBeth, Cabaret and Night of the Iguana. Performances are open to the public and tickets are Adults $25, Students/Seniors $15, and $10 tickets for students on Wednesday evenings. If you are a patron of the arts, you’ll enjoy meandering through the Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, located on the north wing of Hart House. The gallery showcases predominantly Canadian contemporary art.

Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, 416-978-2452