visit temple square salt lake city

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Located in downtown Salt Lake City, Temple Square is one of the most popular attractions in Utah. Covering 35 acres, it’s filled with a variety of things to see and do. It doesn’t matter if you spend 20 minutes or 5 hours, you’re in for a treat! All tours at Temple Square are free, so check out some of the best things at Temple Square.

Temple Square Tour (~ 45 min)

The Temple Square Tour is led by missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is the perfect introduction to Temple Square and the Mormon heritage. You can book your tour online and choose from 40 languages!

In the South Visitors’ Center, you’ll walk through the 40 years of construction of the Salt Lake Temple, learn about the role of temples in the LDS faith, see a model of the Temple and learn about the different rooms and ordinances performed there. In the North Visitors’ Center you will see the famous 11-foot marble Christus statue and learn more about Christ’s life and teachings.

The missionaries will also take you in the Tabernacle, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark built by the Mormon pioneers in 1876, for more history and a pin drop demonstration in what is one of the most acoustically sound buildings in the world.

Discovery Center (~ 1 hour)

Located inside the Family History Library, the Discovery Center is a fun and free way to learn more about your family history. Discover more about who you are and where you came from with interactive displays, record stories and memories for future generations, and step into the lifestyle of your ancestors.

FamilySearch is the largest genealogy organization in the world! Learning more about who you are and where you came from is just one of the many joys you will find when discovering your family history.

The Discovery Center is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm (M), 8:00am to 9:00pm (T-F) and 9:00am to 5:00pm (S).

Beehive House Tour (~ 30 min)

Located on the corner of South Temple and State Street, the Beehive House was built in 1854 as the main residence of Latter-day Saint prophet and Utah’s first governor, Brigham Young. Today the house is a museum displaying artifacts that belonged to the Young family. The sister missionaries take you around the Beehive House explaining about the Young family and the early history of Utah and Salt Lake City.

The Beehive house is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last tour starts at 8:00 p.m.)

Mormon Tabernacle Choir (~ 1 hour)

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is composed of 360 volunteers and it has performed across the country and in 28 foreign countries, from acclaimed concert halls to inaugurations of U.S. presidents. In 1929, the Choir began its weekly live broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word, on the radio, and in the early 1960s made its way to television. Today this program stands as the longest running continuous network broadcast in America.

Visit Salt Lake

Events and activities to do when visiting Temple Square in Salt Lake City

The salt lake temple is closed for construction, but many places are open in the five city blocks around it, with events, activities and tours.

By Mary Richards

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 (renamed FamilySearch 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, Salt Lake City’s 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 the updated Salt Lake City Temple Square hours, parking information and other details.

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.

Other artwork galleries include the Leadership Portrait 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 as well as 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 allowing visitors to view the inside of the temple before its seismic renovation began in 2019.

From that display, 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 include the Conference Center Film , an 18-minute film in the main auditorium that shares the history of the Conference Center and how the building is used. It starts every hour on the hour, and the Salt Lake Temple Orientation Film , a 17-minute film in the Conference Center Little Theater, starting every 30 minutes. It 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, Sept. 28, through Monday, Oct. 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 at Temple Square

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 now 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 centurylong tradition includes recitals from Tabernacle and Temple Square organists and guest organists.

Visitors can walk in and look inside by themselves or visit with 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 .

Visit the Assembly Hall at Temple Square

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 for other meetings. 

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

FamilySearch Library or Family History Library at Temple Square

The FamilySearch Library (renamed from the Family History Library in January 2023 ) is always a big draw for anyone visiting Temple Square and 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 include thousands of books, films, archives, recording booths and countless other tools to do genealogical research.

“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 they had four.”

Sister Covington as well tells people to plan for spending 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 and tell her, “It really is free.”

Currently, the Family History Library is open on Mondays 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m., but 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 also 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 .”

“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.-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.

The library has several free exhibits, including “ Foundations of Faith ,” which showcases some of the earliest records from the Church, including 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.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and closed Sundays.

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 Mondays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sundays.

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

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. 

In 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.

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

Mitchell said he hopes that as 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.

And 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.

This article was updated June 28, 2023, to include the name change to the FamilySearch Library at Salt Lake City’s Temple Square.

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Please Note: Much of Temple Square is undergoing a major renovation, which is expected to be completed in 2026. Due to the construction work, some buildings have limited hours and tour opportunities. Temporary individual site hours are noted below. The Main Street Plaza, between North Temple and South Temple streets, will be closed until early 2024. See current access points to and from buildings  here . Missionaries offer free guided tours starting from the Conference Center or just inside the west gate of Temple Square (meet at the Bell Tower).

Temple Square is much more than a religious icon. It's a collage of fascinating history, singular architecture, and gourmet dining. Temple Square in Salt Lake City is Utah's most popular tourist destination. Part of its appeal lies in its accessibility: five city blocks in downtown Salt Lake City contain nearly 20 attractions related to Latter-day Saint pioneer history and genealogy, including the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Family Search Library. This means that visitors can see all or most of these attractions in a relatively short period of time.

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We have outlined a walking tour below, containing what we consider the must-see attractions on and around temple square.  click here  for a printable map. hours of operation change seasonally, so be sure to check before your trip., salt lake temple.

This building is a worldwide icon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the heart of Temple Square. The massive granite edifice was constructed in a neo-gothic style over the course of an astounding 40-year period between 1853 and 1893. The pioneers who settled the valley sacrificed both time and material goods to the building of the temple, which stands as a testament to their faith and devotion. Please be aware that only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are permitted to enter the temple, but all visitors are welcome to peruse the grounds and admire the stunning workmanship of the building and the serene beauty of its immediate surroundings.

The temple is currently under a multi-year seismic renovation. Learn more about the renovation.

From the Visitors' Center, we recommend walking around the Assembly Hall, one of the most ornate and colorful buildings on Temple Square. Built in 1877, the Assembly Hall is used today for free weekend concerts featuring local and international artists. If you happen to visit on a Friday or Saturday evening, be advised that the concerts are free and do not require tickets, although only those eight years of age and older are admitted.

Salt Lake Tabernacle

Home of the world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, the Tabernacle, located just north of the Assembly Hall, is an architectural and acoustic wonder. The famous organ at the front of the Tabernacle contains 11,623 pipes, making it one of the largest and richest-sounding organs in the world, and the building was constructed so that even the drop of a pin at the front of the building can be heard throughout the building. The Tabernacle is usually open daily for tours. In addition, the public is welcome to attend choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings and the Music and the Spoken Word broadcasts on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am.

Family Search Library

From Temple Square, cross West Temple Street and go south to the Family Search Library, which gives visitors access to the world's largest collection of genealogical resources. If you have time, plan to spend an hour or two researching information on your own ancestors; volunteers are on hand to help you through the process if necessary. The Family Search Library is open Monday through Saturday. Hours vary. 

Deuel Pioneer Log Home

North of the Family History Library is the Deuel Pioneer Log Cabin, which gives visitors a glimpse into pioneer life. It is typical of the homes built in the Salt Lake Valley after it was settled in 1847, the very first of which was built nearby by William Henry Deuel. Please note the Deuel Cabin is temporarily closed.

Church History Museum

Also north of the Family Search Library you will find the Church History Museum. Highlights of the museum interactive exhibits and a collection of historic artifacts richly covering 26 years of history (1820-1846), from the origins of Joseph Smith to the Latter-day Saint pioneer exodus to the West.

Conference Center

Located just north of the temple, the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains a 21,000-seat auditorium and an 850-seat theater. It also houses an array of artworks that tell about scripture stories, Church teachings and organization, and Jesus Christ. Free, guided tours of the Conference Center are available daily, and tours of the beautiful rooftop gardens are available April through October. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and during the month of December, Music and the Spoken Word is recorded here each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (Visitors must be seated by 9:15 a.m.) The Conference Center is occasionally home to other events, so you might want to consider calling (801) 240-0075 for information before visiting.

Church History Library

Just east of the Conference Center is the Church History Library. It was created in 2009 to house records for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The building contains materials that chronicle the history of the Church from 1830 to the present day. Many of the historical documents are in storage rooms that are kept at closely monitored temperatures for preservation purposes. Many of these materials are available for you to explore and volunteers are available to assist you.

Relief Society Building

Moving south of the Church History Library you will come to the Relief Society Building, which houses Church offices and a resource center. The Relief Society is the oldest women's organization in the world and an important part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which focuses on the strengthening of home and family. Please note the Relief Society Building is currently closed.

Church Office Building

East of the Relief Society Building is the Church Office Building, the administrative center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which claims more than 12 million members worldwide. Standing at 28 stories, the building dominates the Temple Square-area skyline. Please note this building is closed to the public.

Brigham Young Historic Park

Traveling east across State Street you will enter Brigham Young Historic Park. This small park was once part of pioneer and Mormon leader Brigham Young's farm. During the summer, the park hosts concerts as well as Garden Talks. Seating is provided, but you can also bring blankets or chairs.

Pioneer Memorial Monument

South of Brigham Young Historical Park along State Street is the Mormon Pioneer Memorial Monument, which honors the more than 6,000 pioneers who died crossing the plains between 1847 and 1869. It is also home to the gravesite of Brigham Young, under whose leadership the Mormon pioneers traveled from Illinois to Utah and established a rich society and culture here.

Social Hall Heritage Museum

The Social Hall was where the first residents of Salt Lake City gathered to relax, unwind from their labors, be with friends, and enjoy singing and dancing. Today the remains of this building are preserved in a museum that shows a different side of pioneer life. The museum, located half a block south of the Pioneer Memorial Monument, is open from Monday through Saturday, and admission is free.

Beehive House

On the corner of State Street and South Temple is the Beehive House, Brigham Young's main residence. The mansion has been beautifully restored and serves as a museum offering tours showing what life was like for the Young family back in 1854. Tours are free and available daily, beginning every 10 minutes.

Next to the Beehive House on South Temple is the Lion House, another of Brigham Young's residences. Today the building operates as an event venue with eight banquet rooms and a lovely garden area. It also has a restaurant on the street level called the Lion House Pantry, featuring home-style meals and baked goods. The Lion House is currently under renovation and will be expected to reopen in 2025.

Church Administration Building

Moving west along South Temple you will see the Church Administration Building. Although it is not open to the general public, it is worth noting that current leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have their offices in this classical-style building.

This walking tour of Temple Square concludes at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, located just west of the Church Administration Building. This stately building, originally constructed in 1911, is dedicated to Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and houses several attractions of interest. This building is currently under renovation with an expected reopening in 2025.

We recommend the restaurants and the food court at City Creek Center, which is across the street from Temple Square.

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Temple Square

Salt Lake City

The city's most famous sight occupies a 10-acre block surrounded by 15ft-high walls. LDS docents give free, 30-minute tours continually, leaving from the visitor center at the entrance on North Temple St. Sisters, brothers and elders are stationed every 20ft or so to answer questions. (Don't worry, no one is going to try to convert you – unless you express interest.) The temple is closed for renovation from 2020 to 2024 but Temple Square's other sights remain open.

cnr S Temple & N State Sts

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6 Places to See in Temple Square in Salt Lake City

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In 1847 Brigham Young and Mormon pioneers founded Salt Lake City to practice their religion freely. Today, explore Temple Square and uncover your own family’s history.

1. Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Reason to Go:  See this world-renowned, all-volunteer singing group for free during its rehearsals Thursday evenings or on Sundays for its weekly radio show when the choir is not touring.

Quirky Fact:  President Ronald Reagan dubbed this choir “America’s choir” after it sang at his inauguration parade. The choir has sung at seven presidential inaugurations.

2. Beehive House

Reason to Go:  See the home of Brigham Young, second president of the church and first governor of the Utah Territory. It has been restored to look like how Young would have known it. 

Quirky Fact:  Look for the beehive symbol on top of the building. It’s the state’s symbol, embodying the work ethic and team efforts required of the Mormon pioneers who settled in Utah. 

3. FamilySearch Center

Reason to Go:  Whether you are Mormon or not, you’ll find your family’s history here. It’s free.

Quirky Fact:  Don’t miss the FamilySearch Discovery Center, which opened in 2017. You’ll get an iPad that docks into stations, making your family history interactive.

4. Garden Tour

Reason to Go:  This half-hour tour showcases more than 700 different plants from around the world, including 165,000 bedding plants.

Quirky Fact:  A four-acre rooftop garden awaits you on top of the Conference Center on your tour April through October.

5. South Visitor Center

Reason to Go:  See replicas of pioneer tools and furniture as you learn the stories behind the 40-year construction of the temple. 

Quirky Fact:  Non-Mormons are not allowed inside the temple, so peer into the model of the temple here.

6. Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Reason to Go:  Head to the Roof Restaurant for elegant dining and outstanding sunset views that light up the Great Salt Lake. Or peek your head in to see the incredibly ornate lobby.

Quirky Fact:  Opened in 1911, this elegant building served as Hotel Utah for 76 years, hosting President John F. Kennedy, among others. 

For more information: (801) 531-1000 50 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 www.templesquare.com

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Temple Square

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Temple Square's multi-block, 35-acre plaza is home to nearly 20 attractions related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's anchored by the towering Salt Lake Temple  – where, among other things, weekly meetings of the church's governing bodies are held – and other fascinating buildings like the expansive Tabernacle and the Gothic Revival-style Assembly Hall, which offer insight into the history and development of the church. You should also stop by the Family History Library , the largest genealogy library in the world. Once you've toured the sites, stroll through the square's scenic gardens and past the gurgling fountains.

Recent travelers recommend taking a free, guided tour of the square and also mention that you don't have to be particularly religious to find it of interest. Travelers note that while the area is nice to walk around, the temple is currently undergoing renovation. The building and its surroundings are closed to the public and much of the area is obscured with fences and scaffolding.

Regardless of the construction, tours are still available. Tours are not scheduled, but knowledgeable docents are available every day between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. You must book a tour via phone or email. Contact information is available at the Temple Square website . Visitors are also welcome to attend one of the many musical events that happen in the square, including some by the renowned Tabernacle Choir. Locations vary.

Located in the heart of Salt Lake, Temple Square is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, visit the Temple Square website .

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#2 Great Salt Lake

Clocking in at roughly 35 miles wide and 75 miles long, the Great Salt Lake is the largest natural saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. The lake's name comes from the nature of the water: The evaporation process (the only exit available for the lake's water) leaves behind salty mineral deposits. Salt Lake City's visitors and residents enjoy the area's many hiking trails, ample picnic spots, and swimming, boating and fishing opportunities.

Great Salt Lake Park is one access point that's close to the city: just 20 miles west. Here, travelers will find a marina, a small beach trail and facilities like showers, concessions and restrooms. Another popular access point is Antelope Island, a state park located northwest of the city. While you'll be able to access the same scenery as Great Salt Lake Park, Antelope Island also features plenty of wildlife to spot (including bison and antelope). Plus, you'll find the Fielding Garr Ranch House, an 1800s house on its original foundation. You can only reach the island by driving around the lake's southeast shore, following Interstate 15 to exit 332. The drive is about 60 miles one-way.

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• Stories to Inspire Your Travel

The Hands That Shape Temple Square

Millions of people visit temple square to admire its majestic architecture and colorful gardens. while visitors may not enter the temple, the grounds and buildings are dynamic works of art, manifesting creativity in the placement of every brick, the carving of every statue, and the planting of every flower..

Written By Temple Square Hospitality

*Due to ongoing  structural and seismic renovation  of the Salt Lake Temple, access to Temple Square may be limited through 2026.  See the latest renovation updates .

Six spires of pristine quartz monzonite reach for the sky. A vertical emphasis and fortress-like appearance make a strong statement amid the softer features of the broader park-like grounds.

Over the course of some 40 years, the Salt Lake Temple's architects crafted the immaculate and ornate structure from blocks of stone weighing in between one and three tons quarried in Little Cottonwood Canyon, 20 miles to the south. In the 19th century, it was no small feat getting the quarried stone to its final position. Today, the neo-Gothic and Romanesque temple stands as the iconic centerpiece of downtown Salt Lake City's Temple Square , which serves as the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Millions of people visit Temple Square to admire its majestic architecture and colorful gardens. While visitors may not enter the Temple, the grounds and buildings are dynamic works of art, manifesting creativity in the placement of every brick, the carving of every statue, and the planting of every flower. The walls are built to be timeless but decorations inside and out breathe with seasons and years, given life by the vibrant spirits of many people working behind the scenes.

Visitors see the fruit of this labor in rotating museum exhibits, inspiring artwork, ever-changing gardens, events and performances, and festive decorations that imbue local history and heritage — every trip to Temple Square is different. Though the masters behind such displays are pleased to work in anonymity, they deserve to be recognized as the hands that shape Temple Square.

Creative Soul and Master Gardening

Temple Square's creative soul is vocalized by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), renowned for their performances that tour all over the world (Read: The Geographic and Musical Heart of Salt Lake City ). 360 men and women volunteer their talent to the choir and another 110 to the orchestra, which put on free public performances every week in Temple Square's Great Tabernacle. Music Director Mack Wilberg is the full-time genius behind the choir's new arrangements of popular melodies. Wilberg, along with Associate Director Ryan Murphy, are the modern leaders, though they stand on the shoulders of a long legacy of illustrious directors, dating back to the choir's formation in 1849.

Another expression of Temple Square's vitality are the vibrant gardens. Groundskeepers carefully maintain hundreds of thousand of plants: grassess, flowers, shrubs, and trees that coalesce into a curated ecology of color. The inspiration behind the gardens is one of “skeleton, tendon, and flesh,” a technique pioneered by the late Master Gardener Peter Lassig. The “skeleton” is a core arrangement of sturdy, well-established shrubs or trees. These are linked by “tendons” of hardy shrubs, and filled out with the “flesh” of flowers. This system allows for natural sharing of space and flow of nutrients, which is healthy for the plants and pleasing to the eye. Since its development in Temple Square, this system has been emulated in gardens around the world. It’s definitely something you should add to your Salt Lake City itinerary.

Present grounds manager Eldon Cannon and his team today carry on Lassig's innovative designs, and the result is a natural attraction that captivates visitors.

Christmas Lights

Eldon Cannon is also in charge of the annual Christmas light display and life-size nativity scene, which transform the Square each season into a glistening winter wonderland. After dusk, the walkways swell with bundled-up visitors enchanted by the ambiance — truly one of the finest displays in the state. Cannon and others have been planning the production for months already and will soon begin a carefully orchestrated process of hanging thousands of lights just before Thanksgiving.

Every night between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., the Square will be aglow with lights and alive with carolers, choirs, orchestras, and bands. Different performances are scheduled for each day, so there is always reason to return. The light display undergoes some evolution each year as well, so every visit to this festive location is a unique experience. When you admire the Christmas lights this season, you will feel imbued with holiday spirit, shared by the dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make Utah's most impressive light display.

The choir, gardens, and Christmas lights are just a few of many lively expressions of Temple Square. Everyone finds individual favorite treasures among the numerous works of art, historical buildings, and museums. Come visit Temple Square and enjoy for yourself the good work of many helpful hands that have shaped this place. See how, nearly 200 years after the laying of the first stones, the heart of Salt Lake City continues to thrive and inspire.

Visiting Temple Square

Temple Square is open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. Holidays may affect some hours. 

There are a variety of dining options on Temple Square. Please note that Temple Square hospitality does not serve alcohol.

Schedule a free tour or self-guide .

See the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and learn more about Temple Square .

About the Author – Temple Square Hospitality

Temple Square Hospitality is a Deseret Management Company that provides hospitality services for all Temple Square guests. Its history traces back to the prestigious Hotel Utah, which was built in 1911. After 76 years as a hotel, the building closed for renovations and reopened in 1993 as a social center. In remodeling the building, the beloved attributes of service, hospitality and quality that graced the hotel were lovingly preserved in The Joseph Smith Memorial Building .

In 1988, Temple Square Hospitality was organized to service the dining needs of those visiting Temple Square and Salt Lake City. Since then, it has grown into three catering facilities (including off-site catering), four restaurants , a bakery and a full-service floral department . Known as the Hospitality Host at Temple Square, over 700,000 meals are served each year. Our goal is to honor our heritage by providing guests with a tradition of exceptional service and hospitality.

What's Nearby

Temple square.

Planning a visit Salt Lake City? Add Temple Square to your itinerary to learn about LDS history, heritage, art and culture of one of the oldest Utah attractions. Explore Salt Lake.

Mormon Heritage

In 1847, Brigham Young and the first party of Latter-day Saint (known as Mormon) emigrants reached the desolate Salt Lake Valley. Since that day, Mormon cultural and heritage has made Utah a unique place to visit, today, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members comprise about 60 percent of the state's population.

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Parking for Visitors to Temple Square

We are excited to welcome you to Temple Square! The following information will help you find parking if you are taking a tour of Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. This includes tours of the Conference Center.

If you are looking for parking for major Church events held in the Conference Center main auditorium, please see Conference Center Event Parking .

Where to Park

• Parking is available at the Conference Center parking facility. The entrance is on West Temple by the Conference Center. Enter in the center of the street.
• Parking lots fill quickly, and parking is not guaranteed.

Parking Hours and Rate Information

The Conference Center parking facility is open from 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Validated parking is provided at the Conference Center for those taking a tour of Temple Square including the Conference Center. Validations can be obtained at the Conference Center hosting desks. The regular parking rate without a validation is $10.

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking spaces are located near elevators on each Conference Center parking level. A state-issued disability placard or license plate is required to park in these spaces.

If the Lot Fills

If the Conference Center parking is full or is not available, a parking attendant will be at the top of the entrance to direct you to the next best available lot.

Important Information

There is a high demand for parking in June, July, August, and December. Conference Center parking fills consistently during these months. Be prepared to arrive even earlier for overflow parking time. For more information on Church events, please visit Temple Square events .

UTA Trax and Other Salt Lake City Parking

• Downtown Salt Lake parking is another option, and more information is available at parkingslc.com .
• We recommend that guests use the UTA Trax and bus systems wherever possible. Utilizing these public systems reduces traffic congestion downtown, eliminates the need for finding parking, and ensures a more timely arrival to your destination. Visit rideuta.com for more information about planning your trip downtown.

Additional Resources

Visit Temple Square