The Salt Lake Temple Restoration and Visitors’ Center
The anticipation surrounding the Salt Lake Temple’s restoration continues to grow as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently announced significant updates.
Beautiful look inside the new Temple Square Visitors’ Center
The newly renovated Visitors’ Center, located near the Salt Lake Temple, will open to the public on May 18, 2026. The center spans just under 40,000 square feet and connects deeply with the history of the Salt Lake Temple, tracing back to Brigham Young’s 1847 declaration, “Here we will build a temple to our God.” This center, a key part of Temple Square, will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
New Visitors’ Center Opening
The renovation includes impressive features aimed at enhancing the experience for all. In the west wing, visitors will find a replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s beloved “Christus.” Additionally, Swiss artist Christian Bolt has created a new marble sculpture titled “Come Unto Me,” located on the lower level. This artwork depicts a seated Christ, symbolically reaching out towards humanity.
Outside, beautifully landscaped gardens will showcase two bronze statues representing Christ—one depicting Him carrying the cross and the other portraying Him in Gethsemane.
Immersive Experiences Await
The Visitors’ Center will offer a variety of immersive experiences that cater to individuals from all backgrounds. Highlights include:
- Full-scale replicas of sacred temple rooms, which are not direct replicas of those in the Salt Lake Temple.
- A detailed scale model of the Salt Lake Temple.
- A display featuring 11 miniature temples built to scale.
- A temple globe and engaging narrative presentations that make the significance of the temple accessible to everyone.
Guests can also enjoy an evocative moment in a video room that transitions into a replica of a temple lobby, leading to representations of the baptistry, instruction rooms, a celestial room, and sealing rooms.
Admission and Accessibility
Admission to the Visitors’ Center is free. Although general entry does not require a ticket, a reservation is necessary for the 30-minute “Inside a Temple” tour. Reservations can conveniently be made through the Temple Square app or online.
Parking options include free parking at the Conference Center with validation and City Creek parking, which provides the first two hours free. The Temple Square TRAX station offers direct access for those using public transportation.
Upcoming Open House Celebration
The Salt Lake Temple open house celebration is scheduled for April 5–October 1, 2027. Reservations for this event will be available starting September 1, 2026. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, expressed confidence in the project’s success, stating, “It came about much better than we ever thought… We’re very proud that it’s on time, on budget, and that it looks good.”
This restoration and the new Visitors’ Center promise to enrich the experience for all who come to this important House of the Lord.
Final Thoughts
The ongoing developments at the Salt Lake Temple and the Visitors’ Center represent a significant milestone, inviting deeper understanding and connection to the beliefs and values central to Latter-day Saint faith. Visitors can look forward to engaging experiences that highlight teachings on family and Christ.