A year before the Salt Lake Temple reopens, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints welcomed media for a first look at its newly renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center — and announced when tickets for the Salt Lake Temple open house will be available.
Refreshing, immersive, and family-focused, the new visitors’ center opens to the public May 18, 2026, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Salt Lake Temple open house celebration runs April 5–October 1, 2027; reservations for the temple open house become available September 1, 2026.
What to expect
- A nearly 40,000-square-foot experience that frames the temple in the story of faith, family and daily life. The center begins with Brigham Young’s 1847 declaration: “Here we will build a temple to our God.”
- Striking sculpture and art: a replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s beloved “Christus” in the west wing and a new marble work by Swiss artist Christian Bolt, “Come Unto Me,” at the lower level’s central connection. Bolt says his piece reflects the Savior “towards humankind.”
- Full-scale, immersive replica rooms that help visitors understand temple teachings (note: these are not replicas of rooms inside the Salt Lake Temple), plus a scale model of the Salt Lake Temple, a display of 11 built-to-scale miniature temples and a nearby temple globe.
- Gardened outdoor spaces with bronze statues, including two new sculptures depicting Jesus carrying the cross and Christ in Gethsemane.
- A narrative presentation designed so anyone — whether a member of the Church or a visitor learning for the first time — can understand the meaning and purpose of temples.
Leaders called the center a milestone. “This visitors’ center sits in the shadow of the Salt Lake City Temple,” said President Emily Belle Freeman of the Young Women General Presidency. “You may think you have been to a visitors’ center experience with us before — this is not that.”
“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.
Practical details
- Admission to the visitors’ center is free. No ticket is required for general entry.
- A reservation time is required for the 30-minute “Inside a Temple” tour; reserve through the Temple Square app or online.
- Parking: free validated parking at the Conference Center; City Creek parking available (first two hours free). Temple Square TRAX station provides direct access.
“We’re very proud that it’s on time, on budget, and that it looks good,” Uchtdorf added, thanking all who helped bring the project to completion. As Temple Square leaders put it, this is the start of a big year ahead — an invitation to explore, reflect, and celebrate.