One year before the Salt Lake Temple reopens to the public, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave media a fresh first look at its newly renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center — a bright, immersive gateway to the spiritual and historical heart of Temple Square.
The new visitors’ center opens to the public May 18, 2026, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It sits in the shadow of the Salt Lake Temple and spans nearly 40,000 square feet, beginning with Brigham Young’s 1847 declaration, “Here we will build a temple to our God.” Church leaders called the unveiling a milestone and an unprecedented visitors’ center experience designed to connect temple teachings to everyday life, family, and Christ.
Art and atmosphere are central. A replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s beloved “Christus” greets visitors in the west wing, and a new marble sculpture by Swiss artist Christian Bolt, “Come Unto Me,” anchors the lower level — a seated portrayal of the Savior inviting peace and compassion. Bolt described his vision as a Christ “towards human mankind.” Outside, landscaped gardens feature new bronze statues of Jesus carrying the cross and of Christ in Gethsemane.
Inside, immersive, easy-to-understand experiences lead visitors through the meaning and purpose of temples. A dramatic wall video opens into a replica of a temple lobby and flows into full-scale replicas of sacred rooms — baptistry, instruction rooms, a celestial room, and sealing rooms (these are not replicas of rooms inside the Salt Lake Temple). Exhibits also include a scale model of the Salt Lake Temple, a display of 11 built-to-scale miniature temples and a nearby temple globe.
Key dates and visitor info
- Visitors’ Center opening: May 18, 2026 (daily, 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.). Admission is free.
- “Inside a Temple” tour: 30-minute tour; reservation times are required and available via the Temple Square app or online.
- Salt Lake Temple open house celebration: April 5, 2027–October 1, 2027. Open house reservations begin September 1, 2026.
- Parking: Free parking with validation at the Conference Center; City Creek parking available (first two hours free). The Temple Square TRAX station provides direct access.
“We wanted more than another visitors’ center,” said President Emily Belle Freeman of the Young Women General Presidency. Acting President Dieter F. Uchtdorf added that guests will discover how temple teachings connect to everyday life. Leaders described the reopening period as a joyful, historic time and expressed gratitude for the many who helped bring the project to completion on time and on budget.
Whether you’re planning to visit soon or to reserve your spot for the temple open house next year, the refreshed visitors’ center offers a welcoming place to learn, reflect, and prepare for the celebration ahead.