If you’ve heard of Salt Lake, you’ve likely heard of Temple Square. This recognizable center for the buildings of worship are located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake and serve as the headquarters for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Millions of people visit Temple Square every year to marvel at the pristine architecture and beautifully manicured gardens. Salt Lake’s original founders actually labeled the city streets based on their distance from the Temple, which is why you’ll see street names like “North Temple” and “South Temple." Other corresponding street names are a numbered grid, also showcasing the distance from the Temple—200 South (signifying two blocks south of the Temple), 300 South (signifying three blocks south of the Temple), 400 South, 500 South—you get the idea. Salt Lake was mapped and created with this building in mind, making it not just a place of worship, but one of historical significance as well.
Temple Square consists of not just the Temple itself, but a five-block area with a number of experiences for visitors to explore, like the FamilySearch Library, Church History Museum, and Salt Lake Tabernacle, just to name a few. Starting in 2019, Temple Square began a major structural renovation that impacts some access for visitors. That construction will be completed soon with a 6-month long celebration scheduled for April to October 2027.
Welcoming the World in 2027 to the Salt Lake Temple Celebration. Enjoy the full Salt Lake experience from Temple Spires to Mountain Summits and…
Why are they renovating the Temple?
The main reason for renovating is to add seismic and structural reinforcement, as well as to enhance accessibility for members with limited mobility. What they are doing is a fascinating incredible seismic design and complicated process to strengthen the base structure. Temple Square’s own updates page includes a detailed explanation of what they are doing at the bottom of the page.
What can you still see as a visitor to Temple Square?
Only a portion of the block is still closed to the public. Here’s what is open on the temple block and nearby:
The Salt Lake Tabernacle—home of the famous Tabernacle Choir and the larger than life 11,623-pipe organ. You can listen to live organ recitals every Monday-Saturday at noon, free to the public.
The Assembly Hall—It is just south of the Tabernacle. Musical groups sometimes offer performances here. Right outside is the original Seagull monument.
The FamilySearch Center—perfect for a genealogy buff, or for anyone curious about their family history, at this library you can access millions of records, and can easily discover your own family's past.
The Church History Museum—is open and currently hosts two ongoing exhibits covering the early history of the Church and the migration to Utah.
The Gardens at Temple Square—gardens, sculptures and more on the Main Street Plaza and the Church Office Building block are available for touring during regular Temple Square hours.
Joseph Smith Memorial Building—some portions remain closed for continuing renovations, but the mezzanine and lobby along with The Roof and The Garden restaurants, are open.
The Church History Library and Archives—is a state-of-the-art facility designed to collect and preserve materials about the Church, its history, and its members.
Welfare Square—(a slight drive from Temple Square but still a part of the experiences offered) is a location to care for those in need. You can tour the facility, learn about the Church’s welfare program, and even sample foods made for those in need.
The Humanitarian Center—(a slight drive from Temple Square but still a part of the experiences offered) established in 1991 to prepare charitable supplies for shipping worldwide including clothing, quilts, hygiene kits, school kits, and emergency medical modules. Tours begin on the hour and last for forty five minutes.
What is currently under renovation?
The Salt Lake Temple—centerpiece to Temple Square, work is starting to wrap up. Scaffolding is being taken down from around the temple exterior. Interior updates and improvements are still underway. Expected completion: Late 2026
The Beehive House and Lion House—historic homes to early pioneer church leaders, changes are being made to provide an updated guest experience and to address structural deficiencies. Expected reopening: early 2026
The Conference Center— in preparation for the Salt Lake Temple Celebration in 2027, the Conference Center closed to the public on March 30, 2026. It will be open for major scheduled events including the church's General Conference, Luz de las Naciones, and the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert.
What is the timeline for reopening?
Original estimates were for the project to take 4 years. Due to the delicate nature of dealing with pioneer-era buildings, the current timeline for a completion date is end of 2026, with the Temple Square Celebration scheduled from April to October, 2027. You can read the latest updates about the construction timeline of Temple Square, including a history of updates along the way, on their website.
Although much of the square has been undergoing a transformation over the past few years, much has re-opened and Temple Square is still a wonderful place to visit, rich with history and intriguing historic tours—all of which are free to the public!
