A fresh, reimagined experience on Temple Square is opening its doors — and the countdown to the Salt Lake Temple celebration is on.

One year before the temple’s grand reopening, media were given a first look at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center and the schedule for ticket reservations to the Salt Lake Temple open house. The public celebration of the temple will run April 5–October 1, 2027. The new visitors’ center opens May 18, 2026, and will welcome guests daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“This visitors’ center sits in the shadow of the Salt Lake City Temple,” said President Emily Belle Freeman of the Young Women General Presidency. “Now you may think you have been to a visitors’ center with us before, and I am going to tell you this is not that.” Church leaders called the unveiling a milestone, describing the center as unprecedented in scope and purpose.

The nearly 40,000-square-foot center is designed to connect temple teachings to everyday life and to clarify the broader context of Latter-day Saint belief and devotion to family and Christ. A replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s beloved Christus greets visitors in the west wing, while a new marble work by Swiss sculptor Christian Bolt — titled “Come Unto Me” — anchors the lower level, depicting the Savior seated and extending an invitation of peace and compassion. “They didn’t want to have another standing Christ, but a sitting one…towards humankind,” Bolt said.

Immersive, accessible experiences lead visitors on a journey from Brigham Young’s 1847 declaration, “Here we will build a temple to our God,” through modern perspectives on temple life. Highlights include:

• Full-scale replicas of sacred temple rooms (not replicas of rooms in the Salt Lake Temple), including a baptistry, instruction rooms, a celestial room, and sealing rooms
• A scale model of the Salt Lake Temple and a display of 11 built-to-scale miniature temples alongside a temple globe
• A narrative presentation meant to be understood by visitors of any background

Outside, landscaped gardens feature new bronze statues, including depictions of Jesus carrying the cross and Christ in Gethsemane, placed near the east and west wings.

Elder Matthew S. Holland, a General Authority Seventy, called the unveiling “one of the most exciting points in this period in the history of the Church,” and leaders say it marks the start of a big year ahead. Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Dieter F. Uchtdorf noted the project’s progress: “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 are looking forward to a wonderful celebration online and in person.”

Admission to the visitors’ center is free. While general entry requires no ticket, a reservation 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 offers the first two hours free, and the Temple Square TRAX station provides direct access.

Reservations for the Salt Lake Temple open house will be available beginning September 1, 2026. For details and bookings, visit the Temple Square website or the Temple Square app.