The tall spirals of the ornate Salt Lake Temple are a landmark in Temple Square. This gathering place is of great importance to Mormons and fascinating for all visitors interested in history and architecture. The 35 acres (14 hectares) includes some historical and sacred Mormon buildings. Explore the neo-Gothic temple, the domed Tabernacle, and the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Stroll among gardens and flowerbeds in summer.The land on which Temple Square sits has been an integral part of the Mormon faith since 1847, when Mormon pioneers from Illinois arrived in Utah under the leadership of Brigham Young. The church president instantly picked this place to become the religion’s sacred center in Utah. Young’s gravesite is in the Mormon Pioneer Memorial, and a commemorative statue overlooks the square. His mansion, the Beehive House, is now a museum. Visit the Temple, the centerpiece of the square. Go next door to the North Visitors’ Center to learn more about Mormon culture. The domed center was once a temporary annex to the temple. Volunteers point tourists in the direction of key attractions. The South Visitors’ Center focuses on family relations, which is an integral part of the Mormon religion. The fascinating Church History Museum showcases Mormon artifacts and artwork. During summer, join a free tour of the colorful gardens with reflecting pool on the Main Street Plaza. The soaring Church Office Building, the LDS headquarters, offers superb views from its observation deck. At the end of the day, enjoy dinner inside the impressive Joseph Smith Memorial Building. You can also listen to a moving performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the domed Tabernacle building or in the Conference Center. Temple Square is open daily. Check the LDS website for visitor center opening hours. Most sites are closed on Sundays. Parking in the city center can be expensive and difficult to find, but there are numerous public transport options.
Temple Square Tours
Reviews of Temple Square
4/5 - Good
We took a city tour which gave us lots of information about Utah and SLC, plus getting us into see the Mormon Tabernacle choir and orchestra, not to be missed!
5/5 - Excellent
We didn't allow enough time to tour the conference arena and, in hindsight, wish we had! The entire Temple Square area is impressive and the church hosts (tour guides) were so kind, passionate, and informative - never pushy (or preachy).
5/5 - Excellent
Beehive House open Mon-Saturday, closed on Sundays and last tour starts at 5:30 on Saturday nights. Lion House is a great place to stop in and eat. The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is also closed on Sundays however, Mon-Saturday it is worth stopping in and talking a walk around the lobby area as well as going to the 10th floor for the East/West Observation areas. There are also some great restaurants there. The Visitor's Centers (South and North) provide a lot of historic information, really worth visiting. Assembly Hall, the Tabernacle (home to the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square), and Visitor's Centers are all open seven days a week. The walk around the Square is awesome, particularly if you like all types of flowers, fountains, etc. A "must" is to visit the LDS Church Buiding--tallest building in the square at 26 floors. You can view beautiful artwork on the first floor and then they will escort you to the 26th floor outside observation decks. The aerial view of Temple Square included here is from one of those observation decks. Visit before December 2019!!!! A good portion of the Square will be closed/gone/remodeled, etc. as part of the earthquake proofing project that will last four (4) years.
4/5 - Good
Free organ concerts daily at noon at Tabernacle. Even if you don't care about the organ, the building's acoustics are remarkable.
5/5 - Excellent
Go to ten tabernacle to hear the organ demonstration from 12-–12:30 sharp Easy to get to through the free tram
5/5 - Excellent
Take advantage of the free tours! amazing!!
Popular places to visit
Salt Lake Tabernacle
Experience the architectural and acoustic wonder of this landmark structure, which has awed visitors and worshippers with its unique design since 1875.
Salt Lake Temple
This neo-Gothic centerpiece of Temple Square is an imposing sight that is closed to the general public, but highly revered by followers of the Mormon Church.
Salt Lake Assembly Hall
Be awed by the grandeur of one of Salt Lake City’s most important congregation halls and appreciate its Gothic architecture and rough-hewn stonework.
Church History Museum
Through a series of interactive exhibits, learn about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and discover the stories of its founders.
Joseph Smith Memorial Building
This heritage building is a popular breakfast, lunch and dining destination in Temple Square.
Conference Center
Tour the massive auditorium of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which seats over 21,000 people and is anchored by a 7,667-pipe organ.