One year before the Salt Lake Temple opens its doors to the public, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave media a first look at its newly renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center — and announced when tickets for the temple open house will be available.
The celebration for the Salt Lake Temple reopening runs April 5–October 1, 2027. The refreshed visitors’ center — described by Church leaders as an unprecedented, milestone experience — opens to the public daily beginning May 18, 2026, 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. “You may think you’ve been to a visitors’ center before — I’m going to tell you this is not that.” Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Dieter F. Uchtdorf added, “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.”
The nearly 40,000-square-foot center blends art, story, and immersive experience. A replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s beloved “Christus” greets visitors in the west wing, while a new marble sculpture by Swiss artist Christian Bolt, “Come Unto Me,” anchors the lower level — a contemplative image of the Savior extending an invitation of peace. “They didn’t want to have another standing Christ, but a sitting one…towards humankind,” Bolt said of his work.
Inside, guests can move from an introductory film into a surprising replica of a temple lobby and explore full-scale recreations of sacred temple rooms — baptistry, instruction rooms, a celestial room, and sealing rooms — presented for learning, not as replicas of Salt Lake Temple rooms. The center also features a scale model of the Salt Lake Temple, a display of 11 built-to-scale miniature temples with a nearby temple globe, and narrative presentations designed for anyone to understand.
Outside, landscaped gardens showcase new bronze sculptures portraying Jesus carrying the cross and Christ in Gethsemane at the east and west wings. Temple Square leaders call this the start of a big year ahead. “It really is one of the most exciting points in this period in the history of the Church,” said Elder Matthew S. Holland of the General Authority Seventy. “Days never to be forgotten — I think that’s what we’re in right now.”
Admission to the visitors’ center is free. While general entry does not require a ticket, a reservation time is required for the 30-minute “Inside a Temple” tour; reservations are available through the Temple Square app or online. Free parking is available at the Conference Center with validation; City Creek parking (south of Temple Square) offers the first two hours free. The Temple Square TRAX station provides direct access.
Reservations for the Salt Lake Temple open house celebration open September 1, 2026. “It came about much better than we ever thought,” Uchtdorf said. “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 — thank you to everyone who has accomplished this process.”