One year before the Salt Lake Temple reopens, the newly renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center has opened a fresh chapter — and the first public glimpse is striking.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invited media to preview the nearly 40,000-square-foot visitors’ center and announced key dates for the Salt Lake Temple open house. The temple open house celebration will run April 5–October 1, 2027. The new visitors’ center opens to the public May 18, 2026, 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’ve visited a visitors’ center before — I’m going to tell you, this is not that.” Church leaders called the unveiling a milestone and described the center as unprecedented.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said the center helps visitors discover “how temple teachings connect to everyday life and uncover the greater context of Latter-day Saint beliefs and commitment to family and Christ.” A replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s beloved Christus greets guests in the west wing, while a new marble work by Swiss sculptor Christian Bolt, titled “Come Unto Me,” anchors the lower level. Bolt describes his piece as a seated Christ reaching toward humankind in an invitation of peace and compassion.

Inside, the experience unfolds from Brigham Young’s 1847 declaration, “Here we will build a temple to our God,” and leads visitors through a variety of immersive presentations. Highlights include:

• Full-scale replicas of sacred temple rooms (these are 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 with a nearby temple globe
• A short “Inside a Temple” tour (30 minutes) that begins with a video wall and opens into a replica temple lobby
• Narrative presentations designed to be accessible to visitors of any background

Landscaped gardens outside the east and west wings feature new bronze statues, including portrayals of Jesus carrying the cross and Jesus in Gethsemane. Elder Matthew S. Holland of the General Authority Seventy called the reopening the start of a “big year ahead,” noting the moment as one of deep significance in the Church’s history.

Practical details:

• Admission to the visitors’ center is free. No ticket is required for general entry, but a reservation time 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 south of Temple Square offers two free hours. The Temple Square TRAX station provides direct access.
• Reservations for the Salt Lake Temple open house become available September 1, 2026.

Uchtdorf expressed gratitude for 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. Thank you to everyone who has accomplished this process.”

The visitors’ center opening and the temple open house promise a season of welcome, reflection, and discovery on Temple Square.