The Salt Lake Temple is the fourth dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is widely recognized as the Church's most iconic and recognizable temple. Located on Temple Square in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah, it has stood as a symbol of faith for more than a century. Construction required 40 years, making it one of the most ambitious building projects in Church history. Today, the temple is undergoing a comprehensive seismic renovation and is preparing for a public open house in 2027 before reopening for ordinance work.
A Brief History
Just four days after the first pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley, President Brigham Young identified the location where the temple would be built. The temple was officially announced on July 28, 1847, and groundbreaking took place on February 14, 1853. Construction proved extraordinarily difficult, requiring granite to be quarried from Little Cottonwood Canyon, nearly 20 miles away, and transported by oxen before the arrival of the railroad.
After 40 years of construction, the temple was completed in 1893. President Wilford Woodruff dedicated it during 31 dedicatory sessions held from April 6–24, 1893, making it the fourth dedicated temple of the Church. It remains the only temple dedicated by President Woodruff.
The temple closed on December 29, 2019, for its largest renovation in history. The project includes major seismic upgrades, structural reinforcement, accessibility improvements, new mechanical systems, expanded patron facilities, and preservation of the temple's historic craftsmanship. The renovation is scheduled to conclude with a public open house from April 5 through October 1, 2027, allowing the public to tour the temple before it is rededicated.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Salt Lake Temple is unlike any other temple in the world. At approximately 382,207 square feet, it is the largest temple in the Church by floor area. The temple stands 222 feet tall and features six attached spires, making it one of the most recognizable religious buildings in the world. Its exterior is constructed from quartz monzonite, a granite-like stone quarried from Little Cottonwood Canyon.
The temple is rich with symbolic architecture. Sunstones, moonstones, earthstones, stars, clouds, and other carved symbols appear throughout the exterior, representing the plan of salvation and humanity's progression toward God. The famous Angel Moroni statue atop the east central spire was the first standing Angel Moroni statue placed on a temple.
Inside, the temple contains five instruction rooms, twenty-two sealing rooms, and two baptistries following the current renovation. For more than 126 years, the endowment was presented through live acting before being updated to film presentation as part of the renovation.
Visiting the Temple
The Salt Lake Temple is located at 50 West North Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. While the temple remains closed for renovation, much of Temple Square is open to visitors, including the newly opened Temple Square Visitors' Center, gardens, historic buildings, and interactive exhibits. The temple is scheduled to host a public open house from April 5 through October 1, 2027. Admission will be free, with reservations recommended. Reservations are expected to open on September 1, 2026.
Fun Facts
- Fourth dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Construction began in 1853 and took 40 years to complete.
- Dedicated by President Wilford Woodruff on April 6–24, 1893.
- The largest temple in the Church by floor area.
- Approximately 382,207 square feet.
- Built on a 10-acre block in the center of Temple Square.
- Features six spires and stands 222 feet tall.
- Exterior built from quartz monzonite quarried in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
- Home to 22 sealing rooms, 5 instruction rooms, and 2 baptistries following renovation.
- The first temple to feature a standing Angel Moroni statue.
- Underwent its most extensive renovation beginning in 2019.
- Public open house scheduled for April 5–October 1, 2027.
Final Thoughts
Few buildings are as closely associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Salt Lake Temple. Its remarkable history, extraordinary craftsmanship, and enduring symbolism have inspired millions around the world. As it prepares to reopen following its historic renovation, the Salt Lake Temple will continue to stand as a powerful witness of faith for generations to come. Whether you're planning to attend the 2027 open house or simply visit Temple Square, the Salt Lake Temple remains one of the most meaningful destinations on any temple journey.
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