One year before the Salt Lake Temple reopens to the public, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unveiled its newly renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center and announced key dates for the temple open house. The visitors’ center will open to the public May 18, 2026, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets for the Salt Lake Temple open house will be available beginning September 1, 2026; the open house itself runs April 5–October 1, 2027.
Church leaders called Monday’s preview a milestone. “This visitors’ center sits in the shadow of the Salt Lake Temple,” said President Emily Belle Freeman of the Young Women General Presidency. “You may think you’ve seen a visitors’ center before. This is not that.”
The nearly 40,000-square-foot center offers immersive, easily understood experiences that connect temple teachings to everyday life. Guests enter through a room that begins with a video explaining what temples are; then a wall opens to reveal a replica temple lobby. Full-scale replica temple rooms (not replicas of rooms in the Salt Lake Temple), a scale model of the Salt Lake Temple, a display of 11 built-to-scale miniature temples and a nearby temple globe, and a narrative designed for both members and nonmembers round out the experience.
A treasured replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus greets visitors in the west wing. At the center point of the lower level stands a new marble sculpture by Swiss artist Christian Bolt titled “Come Unto Me,” depicting the Savior inviting peace and compassion. Bolt explained the choice to portray Christ seated and oriented toward humankind. Outside, landscaped gardens feature new bronze statues of Jesus carrying the cross and Christ in Gethsemane flanking the east and west wings.
“Here, guests can discover how temple teachings connect to everyday life and uncover the greater context of Latter‑day Saint beliefs and commitment to family and Christ,” said Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Elder Matthew S. Holland of the General Authority Seventy called the reopening “one of the most exciting points in this period in the history of the Church.”
Admission to the visitors’ center is free. While general entry requires no ticket, a reservation time is required for the 30‑minute “Inside a Temple” tour; reservations can be made through the Temple Square app or online. Free parking is available at the Conference Center with validation; City Creek parking south of Temple Square offers two free hours. The Temple Square TRAX station provides direct access to the center.
“We’re very proud that it’s on time, on budget, and that it looks good,” Uchtdorf said. “We’re looking forward to a wonderful celebration online and in person. Thank you to everyone who has helped bring this to life.”