Salt Lake Temple: A Renewed House of the Lord
An Exciting Time for the Salt Lake Temple
Salt Lake City is buzzing with anticipation as the Salt Lake Temple prepares for its grand reopening. With just one year to go until this remarkable House of the Lord resumes activities, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently invited the media to explore the newly renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center, unveiling key dates and features that will enhance the experience.
The Visitors’ Center Opening
The expanded visitors’ center will open its doors on May 18, 2026, operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Spanning nearly 40,000 square feet, it is strategically positioned at the foot of the Salt Lake Temple, designed to encourage reflection on how teachings from the House of the Lord connect to daily life and faith in Christ.
A New Experience Awaits
“This visitors’ center sits in the shadow of the Salt Lake City Temple,” remarked President Emily Belle Freeman from the Young Women General Presidency. “You may think you have experienced a visitors’ center with us before — this is not that.” Church leaders are excited about this milestone, describing the center as unprecedented.
Highlights of the Visitors’ Center
Among the major attractions are impressive sculptures, including a replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s iconic “Christus” situated in the west wing, and a new marble creation by Swiss artist Christian Bolt, titled “Come Unto Me,” located at the lower-level center point. Bolt noted the intention behind the sculpture, stating, “They didn’t want another standing Christ, but a sitting one, oriented toward humankind.”
Engaging Experiences
The visitors’ center promises immersive experiences that bring to life Church history and the essence of the temple. Guests can look forward to:
- A video wall leading into a replica of a temple lobby
- Full-scale replicas of sacred rooms, not directly mirrored after rooms in the Salt Lake Temple
- A baptistry, instruction rooms, a celestial room, and sealing rooms
- A scale model of the Salt Lake Temple, 11 miniature replica temples, and an interpretive temple globe, presented for easy understanding
Free Entry and Insightful Tours
Entry to the visitors’ center is free. While general access does not require a ticket, reservations are necessary for the 30-minute “Inside a Temple” tour, which can be arranged through the Temple Square app or online. For convenience, free parking is available at the Conference Center with validation, and City Creek parking located south of the House of the Lord offers the first two hours free. Additionally, access to Temple Square is easily provided via the Temple Square TRAX station.
A Grand Celebration Ahead
The open house celebration for the Salt Lake Temple is set to take place from April 5, 2027, to October 1, 2027. Reservations for this event will open on September 1, 2026.
A Message of Thanks
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, expressed gratitude for the progress made thus far. “Everything has come together much better than we ever thought. It is on time, on budget, and it looks good,” he commented enthusiastically. Elder Matthew S. Holland of the General Authority Seventy described the reopening period as “one of the most exciting points in this period in the history of the Church.”
Reservations and Further Information
For further details and to make reservations, individuals can download the Temple Square app or visit the Temple Square website.
The Salt Lake Temple stands as a significant house of the Lord, ready to offer renewed experiences for all who seek to learn and engage. Prepare to be part of this transformative journey in the heart of Salt Lake City.