Tourism has boosted Temple Square Visitor Center
The Salt Lake Temple, a central part of the landscape of Salt Lake City, represents a significant aspect of the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This revered House of the Lord has undergone extensive renovations and exciting changes, poised to reopen in the coming years.
Temple Square Upcoming Celebration
Expanded Visitors’ Center
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the newly renovated Temple Square Visitors’ Center will open on May 18, 2026. This center encompasses nearly 40,000 square feet and aims to enhance understanding of temple teachings alongside daily life.
“This visitors’ center sits in the shadow of the Salt Lake City Temple,” states President Emily Belle Freeman of the Young Women General Presidency. The leaders emphasized that this new experience is distinct and unprecedented.
Unique Features
The visitors’ center will showcase several remarkable highlights, including:
- A replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s famed “Christus” located in the west wing.
- A new marble sculpture titled “Come Unto Me” by Swiss artist Christian Bolt, positioned at the lower-level center. As Bolt articulated, “They didn’t want another standing Christ, but a sitting one, oriented toward humankind.”
- Landscaped gardens adorned with bronze statues depicting moments in Christ’s life, such as Him carrying the cross and His time in Gethsemane.
Immersive Experiences
Engaging Learning Opportunities
The visitors’ center promises to be a hub of engaging and informative experiences. Guests can explore Church history and the significance of temples through:
- A video wall that transitions into a replica of a temple lobby.
- Full-scale replicas of sacred rooms, including a baptistry, instruction rooms, a celestial room, and sealing rooms.
- A scale model of the Salt Lake Temple, along with 11 built-to-scale miniature temples and an interpretive temple globe.
Reservation Details
While entry to the visitors’ center is free, a reservation is necessary for the 30-minute “Inside a Temple” tour. These reservations can be easily made via the Temple Square app or online.
Accessibility
Free parking is available at the Conference Center with validation, and City Creek parking, located to the south, offers the first two hours free. For ease of access, the Temple Square TRAX station connects directly to the location.
Celebrating the Reopening
Open House Schedule
The much-anticipated Salt Lake Temple open house is set for April 5, 2027, through October 1, 2027. Reservations for the open house will start on September 1, 2026.
Endorsements from Church Leadership
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Everything has come together much better than we ever thought. It is on time, on budget, and it looks good.” He highlighted the importance of this reopening period, calling it “one of the most exciting points in this period in the history of the Church.”
Conclusion
The Salt Lake Temple, with its rich history and continued evolution, remains an essential part of the faith of its members. As the House of the Lord looks forward to welcoming people and sharing its teachings, the upcoming renovations and the new visitors’ center offer promising opportunities for learning and reflection.
Further Information
For additional details and reservations, feel free to download the Temple Square app or explore the Temple Square website.