In the center of Salt Lake City, Utah, stands one of the most recognizable religious landmarks in the Western Hemisphere: Temple Square, a 35-acre complex that serves as the global headquarters and most sacred site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church, commonly called the Mormon Church). Millions of people visit every year, both as pilgrims and as curious tourists.
The Salt Lake Temple: 40 Years in the Making
The centerpiece of Temple Square is the Salt Lake Temple — a six-spired granite structure that took 40 years to complete (1853–1893). The temple was designed by Brigham Young's official church architect, Truman O. Angell, and its construction began just three years after the Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.
The granite was quarried from Little Cottonwood Canyon, 20 miles south, and hauled by ox teams initially — later by early rail as the transcontinental railroad approached. The exterior walls are 9 feet thick at the base. The center spire reaches 210 feet and is topped by a gold-leafed statue of the Angel Moroni, a pivotal figure in LDS theology.
What's Inside?
Here's what makes it unique: non-members of the LDS Church cannot enter. This is not a visitor attraction or a public church — it is a "temple," reserved for sacred ordinances including baptism for the dead, marriage sealings, and endowment ceremonies. Only members in good standing with a current "temple recommend" (a worthiness certification from their bishop) may enter.
However, a major renovation completed in 2024 opened a visitors' center adjacent to the temple where anyone can see detailed exhibits, scale models of the interior, and LDS missionary staff eager to answer questions.
What Can Non-Members Visit?
Temple Square has been significantly redesigned in recent years and offers plenty for everyone:
- The Conference Center — Across the street from Temple Square, this massive arena seats 21,000 people and is open for free self-guided tours. The rooftop garden is particularly striking.
- The Tabernacle — Home of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir, this distinctive domed structure from 1867 has extraordinary acoustics (a pin dropped at the pulpit can be heard clearly at the back of the hall) and is open for tours. Free organ recitals are common.
- The Church History Museum — Free, thoughtfully curated museum covering LDS history from Joseph Smith through the pioneers to today.
- The Family History Library — The world's largest genealogy library, also free and open to the public regardless of religion.
What Makes It Special for All Visitors?
Beyond the theology, Temple Square is architecturally extraordinary and historically significant. It represents one of the most ambitious, sustained acts of faith-driven building in American history. The scale of what was accomplished — by hand, with oxen, in the high desert, by a persecuted religious community with almost no resources — is genuinely humbling.
The grounds are beautifully maintained, free to enter, and staffed by missionaries from countries all over the world who speak dozens of languages. Whatever your religious views, it's one of the most interesting and well-presented religious sites in North America.
Temple Square is at 50 N Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150. Free parking is available in the Church Office Building garage on days without major events.