One year before the Salt Lake Temple reopens, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unveiled a fresh look at its newly renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center and announced reservation dates for the temple’s public open house.
The visitors’ center opens to the public May 18, 2026, daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and marks a significant milestone ahead of the Salt Lake Temple celebration scheduled April 5–October 1, 2027. Reservations for the temple open house go on sale September 1, 2026.
“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’ve been to a visitors’ center before — I’m going to tell you this is not that.” Church leaders called the unveiling an unprecedented step forward for Temple Square.
“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.
The nearly 40,000-square-foot center centers on Brigham Young’s 1847 declaration, “Here we will build a temple to our God,” and offers immersive experiences designed for visitors of any background. Highlights include:
- Full-scale replicas of sacred temple rooms (not replicas of rooms in the Salt Lake Temple), including baptistry, instruction rooms, a celestial room, and sealing rooms
- A room where a video wall opens into a replica of a temple lobby during a 30-minute “Inside a Temple” tour
- A scale model of the Salt Lake Temple, 11 built-to-scale miniature temples, and a nearby temple globe
- A narrative and presentations crafted to be accessible to all guests
Art and sculpture play a central role. A replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s beloved Christus occupies the west wing, and a new marble sculpture by Swiss artist Christian Bolt, titled “Come Unto Me,” sits at the lower-level focal point between the wings, depicting the Savior extending an invitation of peace and compassion. Bolt explained the choice to portray a seated Christ oriented toward humanity rather than another standing figure.
Outside, landscaped gardens feature bronze statues, including two new pieces showing Jesus carrying the cross and praying in Gethsemane placed at the east and west wings.
Tickets to enter the visitors’ center are free; a timed reservation is required for the 30-minute “Inside a Temple” tour and may be made through the Temple Square app or online. Free parking with validation is available at the Conference Center; City Creek parking (south of Temple Square) offers two free hours. The Temple Square TRAX station provides direct access.
“Temple Square is entering a very special period,” said Elder Matthew S. Holland of the General Authority Seventy. Dieter F. Uchtdorf added, “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. We look forward to a wonderful celebration online and in person, and we say thank you to everyone who has accomplished this process.”
For reservations and more information, visit the Temple Square website or download the Temple Square app.