For more than a century, the Salt Lake Temple has been one of Utah’s most recognizable landmarks and an enduring symbol of the state’s pioneer roots. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for Utahns, the Salt Lake Temple has stood as a reminder of the perseverance and sacrifice of the early settlers to the state.
Construction on the Salt Lake Temple began in 1853, just six years after the first pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. Built mainly by hand using local granite from nearby canyons, the temple took 40 years to complete before its dedication on April 6, 1893.
Since the end of 2019, the Salt Lake Temple has been closed for what leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described as an extensive structural upgrade. The renovation project, expected to continue through 2026, includes the installation of a base isolation system to improve seismic safety in the event of an earthquake, as well as renewal of historic stonework, interior rooms, and intricate finishes. Exterior work, including work on the historic stone, is nearing completion, with scaffolding having recently come down.
The renovation extends beyond the temple itself. Surrounding areas of Temple Square have also been renovated. Portions of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building have been reopened following an almost three-year renovation, while landscaped areas, new monuments, and historic buildings such as the Beehive House and Lion House are also being renovated.
While the Salt Lake Temple remains closed, Temple Square continues to welcome visitors.
Temple Square Visitors’ Center
A new Visitors’ Center, opened on May 18, features exhibits, an ”Inside a Temple” tour experience, and a new Christus statue that will serve to deepen understanding of the temple’s significance. The grounds surrounding the Visitors’ Center have also recently reopened and several new statues that have recently been placed are on display.
Free reservations for the “Inside a Temple” tour can be made by visiting TempleSquare.org.
Salt Lake Temple Celebration
From April 5, 2027 to October 1, 2027, a six-month celebration will occur at Temple Square. This will provide a rare opportunity to tour the inside of the Salt Lake Temple, visit the newly opened Visitors’ Center, and see the completely renovated Temple Square. Reservations for the Salt Lake Temple open house tour will be available September 1, 2026.
For more information about how to volunteer during the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, please visit TempleSquare.org/eng/faqs.
