Top Activities at Temple Square
*Please note that due to ongoing renovation of the Salt Lake Temple through 2026, access to Temple Square may be limited. For more information about which attractions and buildings are open in Temple Square, see their hours of operation.
Salt Lake Temple
The impressive Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to build, between 1853 and 1893, and is one of the oldest attractions in the area. The temple is sacred to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is not open for tours, you can stroll around the grounds and stop in the South Visitors’ Center to see a scale model of the temple and its interior.
Learn about available tours.
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) is made up of 360 volunteers and has performed all over the world. The public is invited to the Choir's free weekly Music & the Spoken Word broadcast on Sundays in the Tabernacle at 9:30 a.m. (guests must be seated by 9:15 a.m.) and the choir's rehearsal every Thursday at 8 p.m. Many other performances by different artists happen in the Tabernacle, Assembly Hall and Conference Center at Temple Square, which are free and open to the public. (Read the story: The Geographical and Musical Heart of Salt Lake)
Learn about available tours.
Visitors' Centers
The two visitors' centers are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Complimentary tours in nearly every language are offered.
- The North Visitors' Center is home to the famous 11-foot Christ statue, paintings and stories from the scriptures and the first century Jerusalem model.
- The South Visitors' Center focuses on the constructions of the Salt Lake Temple and its importance for church members and their families.
Joseph Smith Memorial Building
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building was formerly the Hotel Utah and its lobby has been elegantly restored with a stained glass ceiling and intricate moulding. While there, check out:
- The dining options: The Nauvoo Cafe, The Roof Restaurant, The Garden Restaurant and the Lion House Pantry.
- The FamilySearch Center, a public facility introducing visitors to genealogical research.
- The Legacy Theater with free movie showings.
Learn about available tours.
Church History Museum
The Church History Museum features interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and a curated collection of global art. Additional highlights include:
- A full-size168-year-old historic log home
- A 240-degree theater experience
- A rotating fine art collection
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More Visitor Information
Temple Square is also home to:
- The Family History Library houses the largest collection of genealogical records in the world.
- The Church History Library features historic documents and exhibits.
- The Church Office Building allows you to go to the 26th floor for breathtaking views of the Salt Lake Valley.
- The Relief Society Building provides information for you to learn more about the women in the Church.
- The Conference Center has impressive architecture, artwork and a 21,000-seat auditorium.
- The Beehive House and the Lion House were the homes of early Church president Brigham Young and his large family. Today the Lion House is an event venue and a restaurant.
- The transformation of the Temple Square with Christmas Lights on the Friday following Thanksgiving, is an extraordinary event and signals the official start of the holiday season.
Many tours are offered daily, check out the current options.
*Please note: Due to the Temple's renovations, beginning January 1, 2020, the Conference Center will become the primary venue for the Temple Square guest experience. It will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily featuring unguided and guided tours in more than 40 languages, a statue of Jesus Christ, a cutaway model of the Salt Lake Temple, exhibitions of various temple artifacts and an orientation film about the history of the temple.
Good to Know
- Fee-based, metered two-hour parking is available throughout the city and there is paid, underground parking beneath the Joseph Smith Memorial Building ($10 with validation available from dining at Temple Square's four restaurants) or City Creek Center Mall, which is free for the first two hours.
- Dogs are not allowed on Temple Square, even on a leash.
- Temple Square's renowned Christmas Lights display typically begins after Thanksgiving and runs through the New Year.
