The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple is the reconstructed successor to the original Provo Utah Temple, one of the busiest temples in the world for more than five decades. Located on Provo's east bench near the mouth of Rock Canyon, the temple overlooks Brigham Young University (BYU), the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC), and Utah Valley. When it reopens following reconstruction, it will continue serving thousands of members throughout Utah County while featuring an entirely new design and updated facilities.
A Brief History
President David O. McKay announced the original Provo Temple on August 14, 1967, alongside the Ogden Utah Temple. At the time, Church leaders recognized that more than half of all temple ordinance work was being performed in just three Utah temples—Salt Lake, Logan, and Manti—creating an urgent need for additional capacity. Groundbreaking took place on September 15, 1969, and the temple was dedicated on February 9, 1972 by President Joseph Fielding Smith, with the dedicatory prayer offered by President Harold B. Lee at President Smith's request.
For more than 50 years, the Provo Temple became one of the busiest temples in the Church, serving local members, Brigham Young University students, and missionaries training at the nearby MTC.
During the October 2021 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced that the aging temple would be completely reconstructed after the completion of the Orem Utah Temple. The temple closed on February 24, 2024, and the Church later announced it would reopen under a new name: the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple. Rather than simply renovating the existing building, the original structure was demolished, and an entirely new temple is being constructed slightly west of the original footprint. As of 2026, construction is ongoing, and open house and rededication dates have not yet been announced.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple is unique because it represents one of the most significant temple reconstruction projects in Church history. Although it occupies the same property as the original Provo Temple, the new building is an entirely different design with traditional architecture rather than the iconic modernist design of the 1972 temple. It is only the third reconstructed temple to be relocated from its original footprint while remaining on the same property.
The new temple will feature approximately 163,000 square feet, making it one of the largest temples in the Church. It will include six instruction rooms, eight sealing rooms, and two baptistries. The exterior is being finished with beautiful Bianco Sardo granite from Sardinia, Italy, and a graceful 265-foot, 6-inch central spire will become one of the tallest temple spires in the world. Unlike the original temple after its 2003 renovation, the new design will not include an angel Moroni statue.
Another unique aspect is its location. The temple sits directly across the street from the Provo MTC and beside Brigham Young University, making it one of only three Church-owned universities with an adjacent temple. The surrounding grounds feature cascading water features, mature trees, and spectacular views of Rock Canyon and the Wasatch Mountains.
Visiting the Temple
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple is located at 2200 Temple Hill Drive in Provo, Utah. The temple is currently closed for reconstruction, and the grounds remain an active construction site. The Church has not yet announced public open house or rededication dates. Once construction is complete, additional visitor information will be released.
Fun Facts
- Successor to the original Provo Utah Temple.
- Original temple announced on August 14, 1967.
- Original temple dedicated on February 9, 1972.
- Renamed the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple in 2024.
- Currently undergoing a complete reconstruction.
- Approximately 163,000 square feet.
- Features six instruction rooms, eight sealing rooms, and two baptistries.
- Exterior finished with Bianco Sardo granite from Sardinia, Italy.
- Central spire rises 265 feet, 6 inches.
- The reconstructed temple does not include an angel Moroni statue.
- Located adjacent to BYU and directly across from the Provo MTC.
- Construction is ongoing, with open house and rededication dates yet to be announced.
Final Thoughts
The Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple represents both continuity and renewal. For more than 50 years, the original Provo Temple served generations of Latter-day Saints, missionaries, and students. Its replacement preserves that legacy while creating a beautiful new house of the Lord designed to serve future generations. Once completed, the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple will continue to be one of the Church's most significant and heavily attended temples.
Stay Connected
Are you working toward visiting every temple in the United States?
Sign up for our email list to receive new temple guides, travel inspiration, product updates, and exclusive offers.
You can also explore our My Temple Journey books, designed to help you record the memories, promptings, and spiritual experiences from every temple you visit.
Visit https://broughmade.com to learn more and begin your temple journey today.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
0 comments