salt lake temple virtual tour

Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Salt lake temple.

4th dedicated temple in operation; closed for renovation; angel Moroni returned to east central spire; pouring the east foundation transfer beam; building the visitor and entrance pavilions; Assembly Hall and Beehive House renovations underway; renovation estimated to be completed in late 2026

Closed for renovation.

© Michael Provard. All rights reserved.

Announcement: 

Site dedication: , groundbreaking: , public open house: , dedication: , site: , exterior finish: , architectural features: , ordinance rooms: , total floor area: , height: , elevation: , temple renovation.

At a news conference held on April 19, 2019, President Russell M. Nelson announced that the Salt Lake Temple would close on December 29, 2019, for approximately four years of renovation and restoration including improvements to the surrounding grounds and facilities. 1 On March 12, 2021, modifications to the planned interior of the temple were announced, which will significantly increase capacity and likely increase the length of closure. 2 Highlights of the project include the following:

• Structural reinforcements to the walls and roof of the temple will work in conjunction with a base isolation system installed under the massive foundation to mitigate the impact of seismic activity.
• Modern mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems will replace the aging and outdated equipment located throughout the temple.
• The existing annex and sealing room wing on the north side of the temple, built in the 1960s, will be demolished and replaced. Two smaller patron pavilions will replace the annex, and the sealing room wing will be rebuilt slightly wider and more true to the design of the exterior wall that it extends.
• The recommend desk will be located underground, featuring expansive skylights with generous views of the temple above. This area will be accessible from the patron pavilions through a grand hall or by way of a patron tunnel from the Conference Center parking facility.
• The historic interior of the temple will be restored and refreshed, returning to a Victorian-inspired palette of dark woods, rich colors, and patterned fabrics.
• Two more instruction rooms, ten more sealing rooms, and a second baptistry will be added to increase the capacity of the temple. The new instruction rooms will replace the former baptistry, and two new baptistries will be built in the lower level of the north annex.
• The progressive room-to-room presentation of the endowment by live actors will be replaced by single-room video presentations. The instruction room murals will be photographed, documented, and permanently removed.
• Sections of the historic wall that currently surround Temple Square will be replaced with ornamental fences, providing better views and access to the temple from the north and south.
• The South Visitors’ Center will be demolished and replaced with two visitor pavilions connected by a full basement that will not obstruct views of the temple from the south.
• The plaza and landscaping south of the Church Office Building will be repaired and renovated to place greater emphasis on the international presence of the Church and improve the visitor experience.

Temple Locale

Positioned on Salt Lake City's center block, known as Temple Square , the spires of the Salt Lake Temple rise amid downtown high-rises and super malls. Sharing the block are the North Visitors' Center and South Visitors' Center ; the Tabernacle , home of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square ; and the Gothic-style Assembly Hall . East of the temple is the masterfully landscaped Main Street Plaza, complete with reflecting pool. Beyond the plaza is the Church's world headquarters, known as the Church Office Building , and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building —a multipurpose Church building, which has become a popular wedding event center. The Church's Conference Center , an architectural masterpiece, lies directly north of the temple. Every holiday season, Temple Square is transformed into a highly popular display of hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights.

Temple History

The Salt Lake Temple was the fourth temple built in Utah (though its construction was started first) and the first built in the Salt Lake Valley.

The Salt Lake Temple was the only temple dedicated by President Wilford Woodruff.

With its distinctive spires and statue of the angel Moroni, the Salt Lake Temple is an international symbol of the Church.

The Salt Lake Temple is the largest temple (most square footage) of the Church.

The building of the Salt Lake Temple was seen as a fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah's prophecy: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it" (Isaiah 2:2).

Brigham Young said of the Salt Lake Temple: "I want to see the temple built in a manner that it will endure through the Millennium."

The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to build with its highly ornate interior being completed in just a year. (View the story of the building of the Salt Lake Temple .)

The walls of the Salt Lake Temple are nine feet thick at the base and six feet thick at the top. Brigham Young had originally favored building the walls from adobe with a thin veneer of stone, which would require very thick walls, but the decision was later made to use solid hand-carved pieces of granite of the same thickness.

Original plans for the Salt Lake Temple called for two angel Moroni statues—one on the east central spire and one on the west.

The Salt Lake Temple is the first temple to feature a standing angel Moroni statue, which is 14-feet tall and attached to a rod that extends 27 feet into the tower, terminating with a 4,000-pound counterbalance to keep the statue immovable. The angel was created by Paris-trained sculptor Cyrus E. Dallin and built in Salem, Ohio.

The Salt Lake Temple is the first temple to have the addition of a second baptistry announced, replacing the former cafeteria. It was announced on March 12, 2021, during an extensive renovation of the temple and Temple Square.

The endowment was presented by live acting in the Salt Lake Temple for 126 years until the temple was closed for major renovation on December 29, 2019. During the closure, the instruction rooms were converted to film presentation of the endowment.

The Salt Lake Temple originally featured beautiful hand-painted murals on the walls of its progressive-style ordinance rooms: Creation Room, Garden Room, World Room, Terrestrial Room (no murals), and Celestial Room (no murals). The Creation Room murals were not added until 1915 when Church member Frithjof Weberg of Norway was commissioned with the task; the walls had previously been white.

With a total of 23 sealing rooms, the Salt Lake Temple has more sealing rooms than any other temple in the Church. Numerous sealing rooms have been added to the temple over the years including a sealing room wing constructed on the north side of the temple in the 1960s and an additional 10 sealing rooms added during the 2020s renovation.

The Salt Lake Temple was completed the afternoon before the dedication. That evening, invited government officials, businessmen, and their wives were given a complete tour of the temple. It was the first time that a temple had been opened to the public prior to its dedication.

The Salt Lake Temple was dedicated on April 6, 1893—three years before Utah became a state in 1896.

The Salt Lake Temple was closed on July 29, 1962 for extensive renovation that included demolition of the old annex; cleaning of the exterior stone; replacement or upgrade of all mechanical systems, plumbing, wiring, carpeting, and light fixtures; reupholstering of furniture; and redecoration of the entire building. The temple reopened on May 21, 1963.

The dedication of a temporary annex was held on March 7, 1963. This building would later become the North Visitors' Center.

The new annex of the Salt Lake Temple opened on March 19, 1966. It was built to house seven new sealing rooms, a children's waiting room, mechanical systems, two new locker rooms, new initiatory areas, and a new chapel seating 450 patrons. The annex was formally dedicated on October 23, 1967.

On August 13, 1993, the contents of the Salt Lake Temple record stone—a hollow stone in the foundation—were removed 136 years after they were originally placed there by Brigham Young and other leaders. Items placed in the stone included books, pamphlets, periodicals, and a set of Deseret gold coins. Because the stone had cracked, the paper items were severely damaged by moisture. Salvaged materials are now housed in the Church History Library.

On March 18, 2020, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Salt Lake Valley during the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple, causing the trumpet to be shaken from the grasp of the angel Moroni statue and land on the tower roof.

Temple Symbolism

Rich symbolism adorns the exterior of the Salt Lake Temple, depicting mankind's journey from mortality into the eternal realms. Perhaps Elder J. Golden Kimball expressed it best when he stated: "When I think about that building, every stone in it is a sermon to me." 3 Following is a summary of some of the major symbolism of the Salt Lake Temple:

Angel Moroni. The angel Moroni depicts both a messenger of the restoration of the gospel and a herald of the Second Coming: "for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds" (JS-M 1:37).

Towers. The three towers on the east side represent the First Presidency of the Church and the Melchizedek Priesthood; the twelve pinnacles rising from the towers represent the Twelve Apostles. The three towers on the west side represent the Presiding Bishopric and the Aaronic Priesthood; the twelve pinnacles rising from the towers represent the High Council.

Battlements. The castle-like battlements that surround the temple symbolize a separation from the world as well as a protection of the holy ordinances practiced within its walls.

Earthstones. The earthstones, located at the base of each buttress, represent the earth—the "footstool of God." Although the earth is currently a telestial kingdom, it will transition to a terrestrial kingdom at the coming of the Millennium; and at the end of one thousand years, it is destined to become a celestial kingdom.

Moonstones. Located directly above the earthstones, the moon is depicted in its various phases around the temple. The changing moon can represent the stages of human progression from birth to resurrection or represent the patron's journey from darkness to light.

Sunstones. Located directly above the moonstones, the sunstones depict the sun—a symbol of the glory of the celestial kingdom.

Cloudstones. High above the sunstones on the east center tower are two clouds with descending rays of light (originally planned to be one white and one black with descending trumpets.) The parallel of this symbolism is found in the Old Testament. Once temples were dedicated in ancient Israel, they were filled with the "cloud of the Lord." At Mount Sinai, the children of Israel saw this cloud as both dark and bright accompanied by the blasting of a trumpet.

Starstones. Six-pointed stars represent the actual stars in the heaven. Upside-down five-pointed stars represent morning stars, compared to the "sons of God" in the scriptures. The large upright five-pointed stars may represent the governing power of the priesthood while the small upright five-pointed stars may represent the saving power of the priesthood for those who attach themselves to it.

Big Dipper. High on the west center tower is a depiction of the Big Dipper, a constellation used by travelers for thousands of years to find the North Star. It is an appropriate symbol for the temple where patrons come to get their bearings on the journey home.

Handclasp. Each of the center towers features a pair of clasped right hands identified as the "right hands of fellowship" cited in Galatians 2:9. In Jeremiah 31:32, the Lord uses the handclasp to denote covenant making—an act at the very heart of temple worship.

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, "Plans Unveiled for Salt Lake Temple Renovation," 19 Apr. 2019.
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints News Release, "First Presidency Provides Update about Historic Temple Renovation," 12 Mar. 2021.
• J. Golden Kimball, "Elder Jonathan Golden Kimball," Conference Report April 1915: 78–79.
• Matthew B. Brown and Paul Thomas Smith, "The Salt Lake Temple," Symbols in Stone: Symbolism on the Early Temples of the Restoration (American Fork, Utah: Covenant Communications, Inc., 1997) 117–156.

Temple Square Virtual Tour by Utah Virtual Tours

I had an afternoon off in between photo shoots and took the opportunity to stop by Temple Square and take a few panoramas. I was able to capture a few things that I’ve wanted to for a while. Overall it was a great day, and I had an awesome time hanging around downtown Salt Lake City.

LDS Conference Center

LDS Conference Center – Lobby

LDS Conference Center – Roof looking South at the Temple

LDS Conference Center – Fountain/Waterfall looking South at Salt Lake Temple

Mormon Tabernacle

Temple Square – South by the Assembly Hall

Temple Square – Assembly Hall

Assembly Hall – On Stage with links back to the organ

Salt Lake Temple – Southwest Corner

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LDS Church History Museum

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The Church History Museum is the premier museum operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is opposite the west gates of the church’s Temple Square.  (Wikipedia)

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In Salt Lake City for General Conference? Here’s What to Do on Temple Square

The salt lake temple is closed for construction, but many places around it offer events, activities and tours.

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  This story appears here courtesy of TheChurchNews.com . It is not for use by other media.

By Mary Richards, Church News  

When people ask what they can see or do on Temple Square , Sister Joy Covington, a missionary in the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission, has a quick answer — it depends on how much time they have.

She tells visitors to go first to the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle, Assembly Hall and Conference Center. If they have more time, the Family History Library, Church History Museum, Church History Library, Beehive House and Brigham Young Family Cemetery.

Missionaries lead tours at the top of the hour and on the half-hour at the Conference Center and at Temple Square. “It’s a great way to walk through and explain the history,” said Sister Covington.

Jason Mitchell, the director of in-field operations for the Church’s Missionary Department, wants to make sure people know that during construction , Temple Square is still open.

“Please come,” he said. “It’s an historic time to come and see the renovation and restoration of the Salt Lake Temple, and there’s so much to do.”

For those taking a self-guided tour or deciding how to spend their time, here are the activities, events and places open on Temple Square right now. See templesquare.org for updated hours, parking information and other details.

Temple-Square-Map

  the conference center.

Besides hosting general conference sessions semiannually, the Conference Center is also the main visitors’ center for Temple Square, explained Mitchell. It is located on North Temple Street, directly north of the Salt Lake Temple, and includes exhibits and films to help guests learn more about Jesus Christ, the Church and the Salt Lake Temple.

Guests can see a statue of Jesus Christ , which is a replica of the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s famous Christus statue, and spend time reflecting and feeling the peace of the Savior. Another spot for contemplation is the Gallery of Artwork of the Savior Jesus Christ , which includes multiple exhibits showcasing images of the Savior from the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Conference-Center-1

  Other artwork galleries include the Leadership Portraits Gallery , with portraits of the Church’s current leadership, and the Book of Mormon Gallery , with Arnold Friberg’s paintings of the ancient prophets of the Americas.

Guests can see many photos, artifacts and information about the temple’s original construction at the “ Temple Square Artifacts Exhibit ,” including:

• Tools that were used to build the temple.
• Door hardware and a key from the temple.
• An original altar from the temple.
• A cane used by Brigham Young to designate Temple Square as the center of the new community.
• A microphone used to record annual and semiannual general conferences and performances by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
• Temple Square and early Salt Lake City video footage, which includes leaders of the Church and others in the 20th century.
• A cutaway, scaled model of The Salt Lake Temple that allows visitors to view the inside of the temple before its seismic renovation began in 2019.

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  After viewing the model, visitors can go to the Conference Center Roof Gardens and Conference Center Observation Deck to see an elevated look at the north side of the temple and the current renovation work and construction of the new addition.

“One of the best views of what’s happening during the renovation is from the third-floor observation deck,” Mitchell said.

Films available to visitors include the Conference Center Film , an 18-minute film in the main auditorium, starting every hour on the hour, which shares the history of the Conference Center and how the building is used, and the Salt Lake Temple Orientation Film , a 17-minute film in the Conference Center Little Theater, starting every 30 minutes, which provides information about the construction of the Salt Lake Temple and a welcome to Temple Square.

The Conference Center is open every day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. However, it will be closed for tours from Wednesday, September 28, through Monday, October 3, because of the October 2022 general conference . Operating hours for this and other venues on Temple Square will be updated on www.templesquare.org .

  Salt Lake Tabernacle

Tabernacle-Salt-Lake

  The historic Salt Lake Tabernacle , built between 1863 and 1867, is home to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and has the iconic 11,623-pipe organ as a backdrop.

The world-famous Tabernacle Choir performs in the Conference Center over the summer but has moved back to the Salt Lake Tabernacle for “ Music & the Spoken Word” performances each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

On most Thursday nights, visitors are welcome to watch the choir rehearse in the Tabernacle at 7:30 p.m.

Each day at noon, 30-minute organ recitals are open to the public. The century-long tradition includes recitals from Tabernacle and Temple Square organists and guest organists.

Tabernacle-Salt-Lake-2

  Visitors can walk in and look inside by themselves or take a tour run by the Temple Square missionaries.

The Salt Lake Tabernacle is open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Due to construction on Temple Square, the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall can be accessed by the gates on West Temple. A current map is available here .  

Assembly Hall

The Assembly Hall is a historic building finished in 1882 using stone from the same quarry as the Salt Lake Temple. It sits on the southwest corner of Temple Square and is used for lectures, concerts, Ensign College devotionals and as an overflow for general conference and other meetings.

The building has original stained-glass windows and a 3,489-pipe organ. Guests can walk in and take a self-guided tour between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day or tour it with the missionaries.

Assembly-Hall-Salt-Lake.jpg

  family history library.

The Family History Library is always a big draw for anyone visiting Salt Lake City — it’s the largest genealogical library in the world, with research specialists, volunteers and missionaries who can help patrons and guests in 14 different languages.

Lynn Turner, the library’s executive director, said patrons and guests can get one-on-one help.

“Maybe you have questions or reached the end of a line for a family and need new ideas or extra help to try to discover them,” Turner said. “We have people that can sit down with you, work you through that and give you different ideas or perspectives on how to face different problems.”

Children, youth and adults will enjoy the Family Discovery Experience . The interactive exhibits use technology and mobile devices to discover more about one’s roots and ancestors.

Other floors in the library house thousands of books, films, archives, recording booths and countless other tools for doing genealogical research.

Family-History-Library

  “The biggest regret I hear from people who are coming from out of town is, ‘I should have come earlier,’” Turner said. “Those that came for 20 minutes wished they had planned two hours. Those that had two hours wish[ed] they had four.”

Sister Covington also tells people to plan to spend time in the Family History Library.

“It’s nice to tell people FamilySearch is free; people are really excited about that,” she said, adding that she’s had some people come find her on Temple Square after their visits to the Family History Library to tell her, “It really is free.”

Currently, the Family History Library is open Monday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday–Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may change on conference weekend, so guests are encouraged to check familysearch.org/en/library/visit for hours.  

Church History Museum

Located next to the Family History Library, the Church History Museum is free and offers interactive and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages to discover the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the legacies of its members around the world.

The recent work of 148 Latter-day Saint artists from around the world in the 12th International Art Competition is on display with the theme, “ All Are Alike Unto God .”

Church-History-Museum

  “ Temples Dot the Earth ” is an exhibit designed for children ages 1–11. The hands-on experience allows children to learn about temples, inside and out. The “ Mormon Trails ” exhibit shows the trails and stories of the pioneers who traveled to the Salt Lake Valley between 1846 and 1890.

Visitors can also view a six-minute film in the First Vision Theater that draws on all accounts of the First Vision.

The Church History Museum is open Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sunday.  

Church History Library

The Church History Library , on the northeast corner of North Temple and Main streets, is the Church’s primary archive — designed to collect and preserve materials about the Church, its history and its members.

The library is free and open to the public. The large reference room has open stacks, computers for patron use, and a reference desk. Materials from the library’s collection are accessible in the library’s reading room on an appointment basis.

Church-History-Library

  The library has several free exhibits, including “ Foundations of Faith ,” which showcases some of the earliest records from the Church, such as journals, pamphlets, manuscripts, letters, hymnals and more.

An exhibit dedicated to “ Joseph F. Smith’s Vision of the Redemption of the Dead ” includes items related to President Smith, his family and the vision of the redemption of the dead.

They include:

• Joseph Fielding Smith’s journal, where he mentioned recording the vision.
• Joseph Fielding Smith’s copy of the scriptures.
• A special insert printed in 1976, so Church members could add the vision to their personal copies of the Pearl of Great Price.

The Church History Library is open Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed Sunday.  

Other Things to See

The Beehive House is on the corner of State and South Temple streets. The three-story home was the official residence of three Presidents of the Church — Brigham Young, Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith — and has been restored to its 19th century appearance. The Beehive House is open Monday–Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sunday.

Next door is the Lion House , the family home of Brigham Young, but it is closed to the public at this time.

The Brigham Young Family Cemetery , 140 E. 1st Ave., is open daily to the public. Directly east of Temple Square across State Street is Brigham Young Historic Park .

The grounds surrounding the Salt Lake Temple include the Joseph Smith Memorial Building , Church Office Building and Relief Society Building . Depending on construction work, visitors may also be able to see the Base and Meridian , which is a small statuette on the southeast corner of Temple Square. This spot is the point from which all city streets were named and numbered in Salt Lake City.

Between the Family History Library and Church History Museum on the west side of Temple Square is Deuel Cabin , an original pioneer-era home built in 1847. The inside is temporarily closed.

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  Visitors can also look through windows in the walls surrounding the temple site and watch the work being done on the expansive renovation project.

Mitchell said he hopes that when guests come to Temple Square they will experience peace, reverence and excitement as they witness the renovation and restoration of the Salt Lake Temple.

“We hope they will feel God’s love for them and be assured that His plan of salvation is for each of us,” he said. “And the Savior is at the center of it. It’s truly a sacred space, and we invite all to come and to see it and experience it for themselves.”

Sister Covington knows people cannot easily see every building or exhibit in one trip, so she makes sure to tell them to come back. She hopes they will be able to get an idea of the history and significance of Temple Square — especially the purpose and majesty of the Salt Lake Temple.

She is looking forward to when the temple is finished and the world is welcome inside to see the renovation.

“We invite everyone to come back for the temple open house,” she said.

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Assembly Hall: ‘A sacred memorial to the past, with an eye to the future’

By Valerie Walton

On April 3, 1983, President Gordon B. Hinckley, then second counselor in the First Presidency and just off a weekend of general conference responsibilities, presided at the rededication of the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, and offered the rededicatory prayer.

“For 100 years, this has been a place of worship and assembly,” he said, according to an April 10, 1983, Church News article. “Now we have made it possible for the building to serve the same function for at least another 100 years.”

He gestured to the intricate craftsmanship that highlighted the building’s interior. “This is a work of art and a work of engineering,” President Hinckley said. “The work has prepared for the future while preserving the integrity of the past. We ought to be proud of this.

“It is a sacred memorial to the past, with an eye to the future.”

Why an Assembly Hall?

“Public gatherings have been a part of Temple Square since almost the very beginning,” explained Emily Utt, historic sites curator for the Church History Department.

When the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, one of the first buildings they erected was a bowery. Then on the southwest corner of Temple Square they built an adobe tabernacle called the Old Tabernacle. “That building is where they got to practice and figure out what designs would work for construction of the great tabernacle,” or what is now known as the Salt Lake Tabernacle, Utt said.

When the new tabernacle was completed, the old one became obsolete and would need to be torn down.

At the same time, stakes all over the Church were starting to build large, ornate buildings in the 1870s and 1880s, such as in St. George, Brigham City and Logan, Utah. These tabernacles were architectural statements that were forward thinking and up-to-date with current trends.

“And so the Salt Lake Stake wanted one of these big architectural statements,” Utt explained.

Brigham Young, President of the Church at the time, and Salt Lake Stake leaders decided to build one of these statements on Temple Square. On Aug. 11, 1877, Young announced the construction of a new building that would hold 3,000 people and be warm even in winter. “Demolition of the old building begins the next day, and they start construction within a month, which is quick,” said Utt.

The architect of the building was Obed Taylor, who designed it in an on-trend, late Victorian Gothic Revival style with its pointed spires and medieval feel. He unfortunately died in 1881 before the Assembly Hall was completed.

The design of the Assembly Hall inspired at least two other “sister buildings,” as Utt put it. William Folsom, who Taylor joined architectural forces with for a while, designed the Provo Tabernacle, now the Provo City Center Temple. And another tabernacle in Coalville, Utah, was the other sister building.

“What’s interesting is that there are some innovations in this building that, had it been in another large US city, probably would have gotten some more attention,” Utt said. Its most innovative feature is its roof, she said, “the way that the tower and steeple is constructed. The design is a rather unusual feature in buildings of this type in the late 19th century.”

There is a common story that the stone used to build the Assembly Hall came from the refuse of the Salt Lake Temple. Utt said that “While that is technically true, what makes it so interesting is the pieces they’re selecting.” Cutting blocks out of boulders for the temple left perfectly useable, beautiful building stone. “They took these irregular shaped pieces that weren’t of the right size or shape to be used on the temple and built the Assembly Hall out of them,” she said.

Expert stonemasons were called in to bring these irregular pieces of stone together into a building with clean lines and prominent mortar joints. 

Missing frescoes

The interior of the building received just as much care and attention as the outside. The walls and columns have been decorated with sego lilies and beehives. But one of the most unique features of the Assembly Hall was the frescoes that covered the ceiling.

Before the building was dedicated in 1882, 16 frescoes were painted on the ceiling in 1880. The work is credited to W. C. Morris, a decorative painter who had done gilt work in buildings, designed and built sets for the Salt Lake Theater and was a sign painter. 

A Feb. 29, 1880, article in the Salt Lake Herald, published during the progress of the painting, stated, “When finished, it will add greatly to the attractiveness of the hall, while the subjects painted on the ceiling will be a constant reminder of the history of the church, together with some events mentioned in scripture. … The whole thing has been done in a very short space of time and materially improves the internal appearance of the hall; while it reflects great credit on the artist, Mr. W. C. Morris, and displays his talent in a new light.”

According to a correction published a few days later on March 4, 1880, “Paul Hammer is entitled to equal praise with [Morris], having done a large share of the figure drawing, and had a general oversight and supervision of the work.”

For Utt, “the murals are one of the more interesting design features of the building,” she said. “We don’t see a lot of decorative work like this in Church buildings before this time. For example, we have yet to paint a temple mural when these frescoes are put on the building.”

A few photographs survive of these frescoes, along with descriptions of the paintings. Three scenes from Church history were depicted: Moroni showing Joseph Smith where the Gold Plates were hidden in the Hill Cumorah; John the Baptist conferring the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery; and Peter, James and John conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood on a kneeling Joseph Smith.

Six temples appeared in the frescoes: the Kirtland, Nauvoo, St. George Utah, Manti Utah, Logan Utah and Salt Lake temples — the last of which had yet to be completed. Also depicted were images of Jesus Christ, Moses holding a scroll containing the Ten Commandments, Elijah and Elias, as well as a large beehive to represent Deseret. Above the organ was the all-seeing eye. Significant dates in Church history, such as the organization of the Church and when the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, also appeared.

“Those murals, to me, are this great visual cue of the doctrines and the ideas that would have been important to those Latter-day Saints,” Utt said. When anyone entered the building, they would have been met with images of priesthood and temples.

What makes these paintings unusual is that “these are probably some of our earliest visual representations of these things,” she said. “We don’t have a lot of other depictions of Moroni appearing to Joseph before we get to this mural. They’re really important in the history and the evolution of Latter-day Saint art and in depicting scenes of our past. 

“Unfortunately, the roof leaked.”

By about 1904, Utt said, there was enough water damage to the frescoes that they were painted over.

The perfect venue 

“The location of the building has been a great triumph, and its great demise,” Utt said. Its position on Temple Square has afforded it protection and preservation, but as space got tight in the Salt Lake Tabernacle for general conference, overflow seating would spread to the conveniently placed building nearby. 

“Within a few years of dedication, Church Headquarters really took over management of the Assembly Hall.”

It’s since had a variety of uses: it’s a gathering place for stakes in the general area beyond the Salt Lake Stake; it’s used for concerts, recitals, devotionals or events that don’t require quite the seating capacity of the Tabernacle; it was used for early community rallying suffrage meetings.

“When you want a little more intimate experience, you come to the Assembly Hall,” Utt said.

When it was built, the Assembly Hall was an up-to-date, modern building lit with gas chandeliers and a heating system. But over its lifespan, the building has seen repairs and renovations. Stoves were replaced by boilers, which were replaced by more modern heating systems. The roof had to be repaired in the early 1900s, the rostrum was rebuilt in the 1960s and an extensive renovation was undertaken in the 1980s. 

“After 100 years, the building needed some work,” Utt said.

James F. McCrea was the architect assigned to the renovation and restoration of the building.

A portion of the basement was dug out to create dressing and practice rooms. The original wood cupola and finials were replaced with fiberglass. Visitors may note that most of the spires have a Gothic point, but one is flat because it is one of the original chimneys.

The extensive renovation, originally intended to be completed by the 150th anniversary of the Church’s formation in 1980, lasted until 1983 when it was rededicated by President Hinckley and with other General Authorities and their wives in attendance.

A new organ

A large reason the major renovations came about was because Tabernacle organists were frustrated with the Kimball organ installed at the turn of the 20th century and wanted to replace it with a new one for the building’s 100th anniversary. 

“[Kimball organs] used a system called tubular pneumatics,” explained Robert Poll, who maintains the various organs on Temple Square. “That system was a trendy thing. And it proved to not be so effective over the long term. There were inherent flaws in the design.”

While inspections were being done to determine how best to install a new organ, “they discovered flaws in the structure of the building, in which the footings were not strong enough to hold the building,” Poll said. Extensive renovations delayed the installation of a new organ but gave opportunity to make room for practice spaces, dressing rooms and the installation of three practice organs.

The new organ was created by Robert L. Sipe from Austin, Texas. Sipe purchased components from five or six different companies who provided parts from places “as far flung as Germany,” Poll said. It consists of a large main case with three towers on each side; a smaller case called a Rückpositive or rear positive, made of four smaller towers that sits behind the organist; a swell organ and a French style en chamade — the horizontal reeds.

“As far as mechanical action organs go, it’s perhaps a little more flexible than some. But generally speaking, it’s a more dramatic style,” Poll said. 

Poll was hired by the Church in the fall of 1982. His first assignment was to help install the new Assembly Hall organ, working to place pipes. While many organs have pipes that are for display only, in this organ, all of the pipes are functional.

“For the character of the room … they used copper for the base pipes,” Poll said. By using a propane torch on the pipe, it oxidizes the copper and makes the various colors jump out. “We call it flamed copper.”

Fetzer Architectural Wordworking, the company that contributed to building the Conference Center organ case, collaborated with the organ builder to create carvings in the white oak case. 

Church architect James F. McCrea “was really big on symbolism,” Poll said, and he designed the symbols and motifs all over the organ. All symbols were approved by the First Presidency before they were made a permanent part of the design.

The smaller case bears the date of the Church’s organization, 1830, and represents the size of the membership of the Church at the time. The main case bears the date of 1980 and represents the growth of the Church 150 years after its organization, as well as the three members of the Godhead.

Sego lilies, which played an important part in the life of the early pioneer settlers, represent members of the Church — closed buds symbolizing new members grow into open blossoms to represent receiving the full light and knowledge of the gospel. Growth is indicated by a vine despite the fact that sego lilies grow on single short stems. Honeybees and beehives composed of 12 rings represent the industry of the Saints.

Five pointed stars represent Jesus Christ. The Star of David, which also appears in stained glass windows, represent the importance of the House of David through Ephraim. The letters L. D. S. appear, as do Alpha and Omega, rolled scrolls representing the Bible and an opened book representing the Book of Mormon. 

“One of the flaws that this organ has is it’s a little difficult to accompany choirs effectively,” Poll said. “It does very well with other things; it can play a lot of literature, it adequately leads a congregation, it has a lot of brightness to it.”

The Assembly Hall today

Visiting or attending an old building like the Assembly Hall, one will learn its little quirks, like a tendency for those seated on the balcony pews to unintentionally slide toward the front of the building. It all adds to the charm of the building.

“When you sit in the Assembly Hall, you know you’re in an old building; you know you’re worshipping in a place that all kinds of people have spoken and celebrated in,” Utt said. “I think that that’s what I love about that building. It’s untouched enough that you can still feel that historic sense of it.”

To schedule an in-person or virtual tour of Historic Temple Square, call 801-240-8945 or email [email protected].

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10 Things To Do In Salt Lake City: Complete Guide To A Year-Round Vacation Destination

F ounded in 1847 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — Salt Lake City's religious roots run deep. In addition to its Mormon heritage and legacy, Utah's capital city is a vibrant cultural hub, brimming with thriving art scenes, film festivals, museums, and more.

But, nestled in a mountain valley and bounded by the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains, SLC is the perfect stomping ground for unique outdoor adventures , from its striking ski slopes and saltwater lake to its expansive gardens and myriad national parks nearby.

Related: Discover 10 Of The Best Ancestral Archeological Sites Of The Southwest

Top Things To Do

Ready to explore the Crossroads of the West? Here are some of the most exciting things to do in Salt Lake City .

Visit The Natural History Museum Of Utah

Located on the University of Utah Campus, this museum features a whopping 163,000 square feet of historical exhibitions. Explore SLC's incredible past, from its prehistoric dinosaurs to the traditions of the region's Native tribes.

The museum has 12 permanent exhibitions on display, plus, its location offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

• Address: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
• Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm; open until 9 pm on Wednesdays
• Cost: $22.95 for adults; $20.95 for seniors; $20.95 for young adults (ages 13 to 24); $17.95 for children (ages 3 to 12)

Can't get enough of this museum? For more fantastic exhibits, consider visiting the Utah Museum of Fine Arts or the Pioneer Memorial Museum . The interactive Discovery Gateway Children's Museum is also perfect for the little ones.

Stroll Through Liberty Park

There's much to see at Liberty Park, making it an essential stop on any tourist's SLC bucket list. Spanning 80 acres, the public urban space features the usual park features, including a swimming pool, barbecue grills, and various courts for sports.

But, the park also has an aviary, botanical gardens, and a museum. Be sure to stop by the charming Liberty Park Pond, too.

• Address: 600 Harvey Milk Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
• Hours: Concessions are open daily from 11 am to 7 pm; the Rotary Playground is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm
• Cost: Free (sporting facility and attraction fees vary)

The Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts , which explores Utah's diverse collection of contemporary folk art, is located in the middle of the park.

See The Utah State Capitol

A trip to Salt Lake wouldn't be complete without a visit to this iconic and historic state government building. From marveling at its spectacular architecture, including paintings and sculptures, to strolling through Memory Grove Park's 8.7 acres , which features numerous trails and even a river, there's certainly much to see.

• Address: 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
• Hours: Open Mondays through Thursdays from 7 am to 8 pm; open Fridays through Sundays and holidays from 7 am to 6 pm

Visit the website to schedule a self-led or guided tour (the latter of which is available Monday through Friday and begins on the hour from 10 am to 3 pm) of the grounds. Virtual tours are also available.

Shop At City Creek Center

Spend a relaxing afternoon at this open-air shopping mall. It features countless eateries and more than 100 stores, including Alo, Free People, Lush, and Lululemon, as well as luxury brands like Coach and Louis Vuitton.

• Address: 50 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
• Hours: Open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 am to 8 pm; open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 9 pm (department store and restaurant hours may vary)

Explore The National Parks

Whilst in Utah, exploring the more than 20 national parks and recreation areas located near Salt Lake City is an absolute must. Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Timpanogos Cave National Monument are located within an hour's drive of the city.

And, enjoy a short four- to five-hour road trip to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park , among others.

Visit Red Butte Garden

Another serene option in SLC is the Red Butte Garden, which is located at the east end of the University of Utah's campus. Situated on 100 acres , the grounds feature a number of hiking trails in addition to its vibrant botanical garden.

• Address: 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
• Hours: Open daily; check the website for seasonal hours
• Cost: $14 for adults; $12 for seniors; $7 for children (ages 3 to 17)

Visit the website to see what's blooming in the garden each season. Half-price admission is offered during the months of December, January, and February.

Temple Square

Located in the downtown area, Temple Square is the perfect place to go to learn about the city's incredible Mormon heritage. The five-block complex features gardens, monuments, museums, libraries, restaurants, and other historic buildings.

But, the most treasured gem of the grounds is the Salt Lake Temple. The sacred temple took 40 years to build , with construction ending in 1893, and although tours of the inside are not possible, it's still quite a stunning sight to see.

• Address: 50 North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150

Experience The Great Salt Lake

The largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere , the Great Salt Lake is the remnant of the ancient Lake Bonneville , a great ice age lake that formed more than 30,000 years ago.

Embark on a boat tour of the lake , watch the sunset from one of the beaches, hike a nature trail, or take a scenic bike ride around the waters — the options are endless.

Although the waters may seem appealing for a swim, the lake isn't well-suited for swimming. Its peculiar smell has earned it the nickname of "lake stink" by locals , plus, it's full of brine shrimp.

Eccles Theater

Wondering what to do in Salt Lake City besides see the lake ? Nestled right on Main Street, visitors can catch a thrilling live performance at the famed Eccles Theater and its 2,500-seat Delta Performance Hall .

• Address: 131 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
• Ticket Office Hours: Open Mondays through Fridays from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm
• Cost: Visit the website for show times and to purchase tickets

Antelope Island State Park

Situated on Antelope Island on Great Salt Lake, this state park is home to roaming bison and other wondrous wildlife, expansive hiking trails, the Antelope Island Marina, campgrounds, and much more.

The island itself also features Fielding Garr Ranch, a 19th-century landmark, and the popular peak known as the Sentry.

• Hours: Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm
• Cost: $15 per vehicle

Always be sure to avoid conflicts with the bison and other wildlife. Visit the website for safety tips to follow when visiting Antelope Island State Park.

Best Time To Visit

Salt Lake City is undoubtedly a year-round destination, so the best time to visit largely depends on the activities a tourist is interested in partaking in. For those keen on hitting the ski slopes, visit during the winter months.

This time of year is especially marvelous thanks to the Christmas lights and other decor sprinkled throughout the city. But, since Utah's ski season usually runs from mid-November through to April, visitors can still take advantage of the slopes in the spring.

This time of year is also perfect for exploring the city's nature spots, including gardens and nearby national parks.

Best Ways To Get Around

From commuter trains and buses to its light rail, Salt Lake's public transportation system is quite expansive, making it a great option for tourists looking to explore the city sans rental cars.

However, for those interested in extensive sightseeing outside the downtown area, such as hitting the ski slopes or a national park, a rental is definitely a more favorable option. Carsharing services like Lyft and Uber also operate in the city.

For free travel within the downtown area, visit the website to learn more about the Free Fare Zone.

Where To Eat

Salt Lake City has plenty of places to satiate travelers' appetites, no matter the meal.

• Address: 151 S 500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102

The Park Café

• Address: 604 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Vertical Diner

• Address: 234 W 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Hub & Spoke Diner

• Address: 1291 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105

Valter's Osteria

• Address: 173 W Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Zest Kitchen & Bar

• Address: 275 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Whiskey Street Cocktails & Dining

• Address: 323 S Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
• Address: 326 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Related: Top 8 Parks To Add To Your Utah Bucket List Right Now

Where To Stay

Salt Lake City has a variety of lodging options to suit every budget.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Super 8 by Wyndham Salt Lake City Airport

• Address: 223 Jimmy Doolittle Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
• Amenities: Indoor pool, free parking, fitness center, free airport shuttle

MainStay Suites Salt Lake City Fort Union

• Address: 6990 South Park Centre Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84121
• Amenities: Fitness center, free parking

Mid-Tier Hotels

Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City

• Address: 170 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
• Amenities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, room service, valet parking, fitness center, bar/lounge

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Sugar House

• Address: 2206 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
• Amenities: Indoor pool, free parking, fitness center

Upscale Hotels

Grand American Hotel

• Address: 555 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
• Amenities: Indoor/outdoor pool, spa and wellness center, restaurant, room service, fitness center, coffee shop, bar/lounge

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

• Address: 15 West 200 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
• Amenities: Fitness center, bar/lounge, valet parking, restaurant, room service

Related: Utah: A Guide To Its Most Popular National Parks

Tips To Know When Visiting

There are a few things someone should know before visiting SLC for the first time. The first of which is that many shops, restaurants, and other attractions are usually closed on Sundays for religious reasons.

For example, the popular City Creek Center, among others, is closed on Sundays, so it's best for tourists visiting the city to check hours ahead of time to ensure a seamless trip.

Secondly, Salt Lake City sits at an altitude of more than 4,200 feet due to its mountainous location, so travelers should be prepared and take precautions in case any symptoms of altitude sickness , such as headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, should arise.

Related: 10 Incredible Spring Hikes In And Around Utah's Mighty 5

How To Spend The Perfect Day In Salt Lake City

Whether you're visiting Salt Lake for a quick weekend getaway or an extended vacay, here's how to spend the perfect 24 hours in the city. First, start with breakfast at a local cafe, such as The Park Café, which is located right across the street from Liberty Park.

After a nourishing meal, explore the park's aviary and botanical gardens before heading to Temple Square to learn about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Next stop: the Utah State Capitol, which is located only about a mile away. Learn about the state's government, and be sure to check out local attractions, including Memory Grove Park, the Anderson Tower Monument, and the Pioneer Memorial Museum.

There are a few options after lunch: Head over to Antelope Island to explore the Great Salt Lake and the Antelope Island State Park, or continue exploring the city's rich history with a tour of the Natural History Museum of Utah, If opting for the latter, be sure to check out the Red Butte Garden, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and the Fort Douglas Military Museum, which are all located nearby.

Dinner at the swanky Valter's Osteria is always a good idea. The upscale Italian restaurant can be found just south of Temple Square in the downtown area. Afterward, depending on available show times, catch a live performance at the Eccles Theater, which is located less than a mile away from the restaurant.

Q: What is Salt Lake City known for?

SLC is known for its Mormon heritage and is home to the iconic Temple Square and the stunning Salt Lake Temple .

Q: Is Salt Lake City worth a visit?

Yes! There is a plethora of unique adventures to be had in Salt Lake City , and the city has countless ski slopes and national parks nearby.

Q: What's there to do in Salt Lake City?

There are many exciting things to do in Salt Lake City , from exploring Antelope Island to touring the city's many historic museums.

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Downtown Salt Lake

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Salt Lake Tabernacle

Physical Address

The Salt Lake Tabernacle was designed for large gatherings and events for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Construction on the Tabernacle began in 1863 and was completed in 1867. It is located on the west side of Temple Square and is home to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square with the iconic 11,623-pipe organ as a backdrop.

The key purpose of constructing the building was to allow Latter-day Saints to gather and hear the word of the Lord. From 1867 to 2000, the Church’s twice-yearly general conferences were held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. At these conferences, Latter-day Saints listen to the counsel of Church leaders under the guidance of the prophet and President of the Church.

Brigham Young, who was the Church President at the time of construction, proposed the original design idea of a large dome building with no columns to interfere with the line of sight to the podium. Bridge builder Henry Grow used a lattice truss design so the Tabernacle roof was able to span its 150-foot width without center supports. The exterior of the completed building is 150 feet wide, 250 feet long, and 80 feet high. The building was constructed by hand and almost entirely with local materials. Only the window glass, nails, bolts, and other metal parts were imported. The columns and balcony trim are faux-painted wood. The benches were hand-painted to look like oak, which was similar to what early Latter-day Saints had in their homes before coming to the Salt Lake Valley, rather than the available Utah pine. A balcony was later added to the Tabernacle in 1875.

Brigham Young wanted to build the structure so speakers could be heard from a long distance. The building’s acoustics allow a pin drop to be heard from 170 feet away. The unique design helped the Church achieve its goals of allowing a large congregation to hear the prophet and other Church leaders speak. Thousands of meetings, concerts, lectures, and other public events have taken place in the Tabernacle. Twelve presidents of the United States have spoken from the Tabernacle’s pulpit, as well as leading suffragist Susan B. Anthony, trans-Atlantic pilot Charles Lindbergh, and many other prominent people. The Tabernacle was the first building in the United States to be designated as a National Historic Civic Engineering Landmark.

The Tabernacle is still frequently used for meetings and concerts. It is now primarily used as the home of The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for its weekly rehearsals and performances of Music & the Spoken Word. It is also used for other concert programs as well as for daily organ recitals.

The Tabernacle was closed from 2005 to 2007 for a major seismic upgrade and complete renovation of the structure and interior.

Features and Attractions

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square Rehearsal —On most Thursday nights, visitors are welcome to watch the Choir rehearse in the Tabernacle at 7:30 p.m. Note: During the summer, the Choir rehearses and performs Music & the Spoken Word in the Conference Center.

Music & the Spoken Word Performances —Since 1929, the Choir has run its weekly program, Music & the Spoken Word . Visitors can watch the recording of this famous international broadcast at 9:30 a.m. in the Tabernacle.* Note: During the summer, the Choir rehearses and performs Music & the Spoken Word in the Conference Center.

The Pipe Organ —See the 11,623-pipe organ, which is part of the signature sound of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

Organ Recitals —Hear live organ recitals on Temple Square, including from the Salt Lake Tabernacle organ, the Conference Center organ, and the Salt Lake Assembly Hall organ. The recitals take place each Monday through Saturday at 12:00 noon and each Sunday at 2 p.m. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, a second daily recital takes place each Monday through Saturday at 2:00 p.m. on the Conference Center organ.

Additional Resources

Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

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