One year before the Salt Lake Temple reopens, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave the media a first look at its newly renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center — and announced when open-house reservations for the Salt Lake Temple will be available.

The refreshed Visitors’ Center, opening to the public May 18, 2026, will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Church leaders called the unveiling a milestone on the road to next year’s temple celebration, scheduled April 5–October 1, 2027.

“This Visitors’ Center sits in the shadow of the Salt Lake Temple,” said President Emily Belle Freeman of the Young Women General Presidency. “You may think you have been to a visitors’ center before. I’m going to tell you this is not that.” Leaders described the new center as unprecedented — a place where guests can see how temple teachings connect to everyday life and understand the broader 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 center — just under 40,000 square feet — blends art, history and immersive storytelling. A replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s beloved “Christus” stands in the west wing, while a new marble sculpture by Swiss artist Christian Bolt, titled “Come Unto Me,” anchors the lower level between the wings. Bolt said the commission called not for another standing Christ but for a seated figure “toward humankind,” inviting peace and compassion.

Inside, carefully staged experiences guide visitors from Brigham Young’s 1847 declaration, “Here we will build a temple to our God,” through approachable explanations of temple purpose and practice. A dramatic video wall introduces what temples are — then opens to reveal a full-scale replica of a temple lobby. Replica rooms include a baptistry, instruction rooms, a celestial room and sealing rooms (these are full-scale representations of sacred temple spaces, not replicas of rooms in the Salt Lake Temple). Additional features include 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 to be accessible to all.

Outside, landscaped gardens showcase new bronze statues of Jesus Christ carrying the cross and Christ in Gethsemane, sitting outside the east and west wings. Temple Square leaders say the renovation marks 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.

Visitors’ Center admission is free; no ticket is required for general entry. A reservation is required for the 30-minute “Inside a Temple” guided experience and can be booked 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 become available 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 look forward to a wonderful celebration online and in person, and we say thank you to everyone who has accomplished this process.”