Temple Square

Temple Square is a roughly 10-acre religious and civic complex in downtown Salt Lake City owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and anchored by the Salt Lake Temple. The complex includes several major 19th-century buildings and formal gardens.

The square’s principal buildings include the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle with its famous organ and performance history, and the Assembly Hall; the grounds feature landscaped gardens, monuments and visitor centers with exhibits about church history. Guided tours and musical performances are regular offerings on the square, and the visitor centers provide interpretation for nonmembers.

Much of the complex is open to the public, but the interior of the Salt Lake Temple itself is restricted to church members with a temple recommend; the surrounding grounds and several assembly buildings are accessible for tours and events.

The square dates to the settlement of Salt Lake City by Mormon pioneers in 1847; construction of the Salt Lake Temple began in 1853 and was completed in 1893 after several decades of work. The Tabernacle and Assembly Hall were added in the second half of the 19th century and the complex has been developed and restored over time.

Temple Square occupies a central block of downtown Salt Lake City and is surrounded by civic and governmental buildings. It is a short walk from the city’s commercial centre and transport hubs.

• Public access restrictions: The temple itself is open only to church members holding a temple recommend; most public access is to the grounds, visitor centers and the Tabernacle area.
• Best time to visit: Seasonal events such as the annual winter lights display draw large numbers of visitors and make the grounds especially busy in late November and December.

What to See #

• Salt Lake Temple: Salt Lake Temple, constructed between 1853 and 1893, forms the focal point of the complex and is visible across the downtown skyline.
• Tabernacle: The Tabernacle, known for its distinctive domed roof and large pipe organ, serves as a performance and assembly space and is associated with the choir historically known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
• Assembly Hall: The Assembly Hall, a Gothic-revival building completed in the late 19th century, sits on the square and is used for smaller meetings and concerts.
• Gardens and visitor centers: Visitor centers and landscaped gardens occupy much of the complex and provide interpretation, guided tour access and seasonal displays.