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TEMPLE SQUARE

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.

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

Discover More

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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.

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Events and activities to do when visiting Temple Square in Salt Lake City

The salt lake temple is closed for construction, but many places are open in the five city blocks around it, with events, activities and tours.

When people ask what they can see or do on Temple Square, Sister Joy Covington, a missionary in the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission, has a quick answer — it depends on how much time they have. 

She tells visitors to go first to the historic Salt Lake Tabernacle, Assembly Hall and Conference Center. If they have more time, the Family History Library (renamed FamilySearch Library), Church History Museum, Church History Library, Beehive House and Brigham Young Family Cemetery.

Missionaries lead tours at the top of the hour and on the half-hour at the Conference Center and at Temple Square. “It’s a great way to walk through and explain the history,” said Sister Covington.  

Jason Mitchell, the director of in-field operations for the Church’s Missionary Department, wants to make sure people know that during construction, Salt Lake City’s Temple Square is still open.

“Please come,” he said. “It’s an historic time to come and see the renovation and restoration of the Salt Lake Temple , and there’s so much to do.”

For those taking a self-guided tour or deciding how to spend their time, here are the activities, events and places open on Temple Square right now. See templesquare.org for the updated Salt Lake City Temple Square hours, parking information and other details.

The Conference Center

Besides hosting general conference sessions semiannually, the Conference Center is also the main visitors’ center for Temple Square, explained Mitchell. It is located on North Temple Street directly north of the Salt Lake Temple and includes exhibits and films to help guests learn more about Jesus Christ, the Church and the Salt Lake Temple. 

Guests can see a statue of Jesus Christ — which is a replica of the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s famous Christus statue — and spend time reflecting and feeling the peace of the Savior. Another spot for contemplation is the Gallery of Artwork of the Savior Jesus Christ , which includes multiple exhibits showcasing images of the Savior from the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Other artwork galleries include the Leadership Portrait Gallery , with portraits of the Church’s current leadership, and the Book of Mormon Gallery , with Arnold Friberg’s paintings of the ancient prophets of the Americas. 

Guests can see many photos, artifacts and information about the temple’s original construction at the “ Temple Square Artifacts Exhibit ,” including:

• Tools that were used to build the temple.
• Door hardware and a key from the temple.
• An original altar from the temple.
• A cane used by Brigham Young to designate Temple Square as the center of the new community.
• A microphone used to record annual and semiannual general conferences as well as performances by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
• Temple Square and early Salt Lake City video footage, which includes leaders of the Church and others in the 20th century.
• A cutaway scaled model allowing visitors to view the inside of the temple before its seismic renovation began in 2019.

From that display, visitors can go to the Conference Center Roof Gardens and Conference Center Observation Deck to see an elevated look at the north side of the temple and the current renovation work and construction of the new addition.

“One of the best views of what’s happening during the renovation is from the third-floor observation deck,” Mitchell said.

Films include the Conference Center Film , an 18-minute film in the main auditorium that shares the history of the Conference Center and how the building is used. It starts every hour on the hour, and the Salt Lake Temple Orientation Film , a 17-minute film in the Conference Center Little Theater, starting every 30 minutes. It provides information about the construction of the Salt Lake Temple and a welcome to Temple Square.

The Conference Center is open every day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. However, it will be closed for tours from Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Monday, Oct. 3, because of the October 2022 general conference. Operating hours for this and other venues on Temple Square will be updated on  www.templesquare.org .

Salt Lake Tabernacle at Temple Square

The historic Salt Lake Tabernacle , built between 1863 and 1867, is home to The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and has the iconic 11,623-pipe organ as a backdrop. 

The world-famous Tabernacle Choir performs in the Conference Center over the summer but has now moved back to the Salt Lake Tabernacle for “ Music & the Spoken Word” performances each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

On most Thursday nights, visitors are welcome to watch the choir rehearse in the Tabernacle at 7:30 p.m.

Each day at noon, 30-minute organ recitals are open to the public. The centurylong tradition includes recitals from Tabernacle and Temple Square organists and guest organists.

Visitors can walk in and look inside by themselves or visit with a tour run by the Temple Square missionaries.

The Salt Lake Tabernacle is open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Due to construction on Temple Square, the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall can be accessed by the gates on West Temple. A current map is available here .

Visit the Assembly Hall at Temple Square

The Assembly Hall is a historic building finished in 1882 using stone from the same quarry as the Salt Lake Temple. It sits on the southwest corner of Temple Square and is used for lectures, concerts, Ensign College devotionals and as an overflow for general conference and for other meetings. 

The building has original stained-glass windows and a 3,489-pipe organ. Guests can walk in on a self-guided tour between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day or see it on a tour with the missionaries.

FamilySearch Library or Family History Library at Temple Square

The FamilySearch Library (renamed from the Family History Library in January 2023 ) is always a big draw for anyone visiting Temple Square and Salt Lake City — it’s the largest genealogical library in the world, with research specialists, volunteers and missionaries who can help patrons and guests in 14 different languages. 

Lynn Turner, the library’s executive director, said patrons and guests can get one-on-one help.

“Maybe you have questions or reached the end of a line for a family and need new ideas or extra help to try to discover them,” Turner said. “We have people that can sit down with you, work you through that and give you different ideas or perspectives on how to face different problems.”

Children, youth and adults will enjoy the Family Discovery Experience . The interactive exhibits use technology and mobile devices to discover more about one’s roots and ancestors.

Other floors in the library include thousands of books, films, archives, recording booths and countless other tools to do genealogical research.

“The biggest regret I hear from people who are coming from out of town is, ‘I should have come earlier,’” Turner said. “Those that came for 20 minutes wished they had planned two hours. Those that had two hours wish they had four.”

Sister Covington as well tells people to plan for spending time in the Family History Library.

“It’s nice to tell people FamilySearch is free; people are really excited about that,” she said, adding that she’s had some people come find her on Temple Square after their visits to the Family History Library and tell her, “It really is free.”

Currently, the Family History Library is open on Mondays 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Tuesday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m., but hours may change on conference weekend, so guests are encouraged to check familysearch.org/en/library/visit  for hours.

Church History Museum

Located next to the Family History Library, the Church History Museum is also free and offers interactive and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages to discover the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the legacies of its members around the world. 

The recent work of 148 Latter-day Saint artists from around the world in the 12th International Art Competition is on display with the theme, “ All Are Alike Unto God .”

“Temples Dot the Earth” is an exhibit designed for children ages 1-11. The hands-on experience allows children to learn about temples, inside and out. The “ Mormon Trails” exhibit shows the trails and stories of the pioneers who traveled to the Salt Lake Valley between 1846 and 1890. 

Visitors can also view a six-minute film in the First Vision Theater that draws on all accounts of the First Vision.

The Church History Museum is open Monday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday–Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sunday.

Church History Library

The Church History Library , on the northeast corner of North Temple and Main streets, is the Church’s primary archive — designed to collect and preserve materials about the Church, its history and its members.

The library is free and open to the public. The large reference room has open stacks, computers for patron use, and a reference desk. Materials from the library’s collection are accessible in the library’s reading room on an appointment basis.

The library has several free exhibits, including “ Foundations of Faith ,” which showcases some of the earliest records from the Church, including journals, pamphlets, manuscripts, letters, hymnals and more.

An exhibit dedicated to “ Joseph F. Smith’s Vision of the Redemption of the Dead” includes items related to President Smith, his family and the vision of the redemption of the dead. 

They include:

• Joseph Fielding Smith’s journal, where he mentioned recording the vision.
• Joseph Fielding Smith’s copy of the scriptures.
• A special insert printed in 1976 so Church members could add the vision to their personal copies of the Pearl of Great Price.

The Church History Library is open Monday through Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and closed Sundays.

From Salt Lake City Utah, The Church Extends Humanitarian Aid to Samoa

How temple square is reopening to the public, the conference center opened on june 14; other buildings have followed.

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Update : The Family History Library is expanding its days of operation. See details below .

Temple Square, one of Utah’s top tourist attractions, began a phased reopening in June 2021. The Conference Center was the first to welcome guests.

As Temple Square reopens, it continues to offer unique and meaningful guest experiences. While some activities may not be fully open for some time, adjustments will be made to ensure a safe experience for those that do. This article, as well as TempleSquare.org, will be updated as more experiences become available on Temple Square.

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Church History Library

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Assembly Hall

The Assembly Hall has limited hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily).

Beehive House

The Beehive House is available to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The library is open to the public. The reading room is open by appointment. A limited number of appointments is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The library has also resumed presentations for groups of 25 or fewer. Up-to-date information on operating hours, safety policies and how to schedule a visit can be found on the library’s Plan Your Visit web page.

Church History Museum

The Church History Museum is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The following exhibits at the museum are available:

• The Heavens Are Opened
• Sisters for Suffrage
• Mormon Trails
• Presidents of the Church
• Temples Dot the Earth: Building the House of the Lord (Please note that many hands-on activities have been temporarily removed from this exhibit due to COVID-19. The exhibit remains open as a walk-through experience with limited digital interactives and artifacts on display.)

Conference Center

Since the beginning of the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple in January 2020, the Conference Center has been the main arrival center and primary venue for guests on Temple Square.

The public can visit and tour the Conference Center. The experience has limited hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily) and includes guided and self-guided tours.

The central features of the Conference Center experience are a replica of sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s masterpiece, the Christus ; a cutaway model of the Salt Lake Temple; the 21,000-seat Conference Center auditorium; and premier views of Temple Square and the Salt Lake Temple renovation.

The Conference Center also provides immersive and interactive experiences to understand the history and significance of the Salt Lake Temple. These include an orientation video, a media presentation about the importance of social and religious gatherings, historical artifacts and sacred art galleries.

Family History Library

The library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning November 6, 2021, the library will expand its days of operation to include Saturdays, also from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting the week of November 15, 2021, the library is tentatively scheduled to open on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., by appointment only. See more details at FamilySearch.org .

Joseph Smith Memorial Building

The Joseph Smith Memorial Building and Temple Square Hospitality Corporation are open for all catering and event services. To book a wedding, business function or special event, please call 801-539-3130 or reach out via email at [email protected] .

The Tabernacle has limited hours (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily).

The Nauvoo restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Tours on Temple Square are available virtually (inside buildings) as well as in person (the grounds of Temple Square). To schedule a tour, call 801-240-8945 or email [email protected] . You can also get an impromptu tour by visiting the sister missionaries in the Conference Center or those stationed just inside the west gate of Temple Square.

Additional Buildings

The Relief Society Building and the Lion House openings will be announced at a future date.

Visitors are welcome on Temple Square. Face masks are recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19. These announcements are subject to change due to conditions at the time of opening. Other buildings and experiences will be posted to this article and to TempleSquare.org when they reopen.

Style Guide Note: When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide .

To download media files, please first review and agree to the Terms of Use . Download a photo or video by clicking or tapping on it. To download all photos or videos related to this article, select the links at the bottom of each section.

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Temple Square

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Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City historic Temple Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah and world headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Free tours of Temple Square are available in 30 languages by native-speaking guides. The 35-acre area draws millions of visitors from all over the world because of its renowned research libraries, cultural activities and historic buildings. The centerpiece of the square is the majestic Salt Lake Temple , which took 40 years to build. While the temple is not open to the public, visitors can go in the Salt Lake Tabernacle , which was built in 1867. The Tabernacle seats 2,900 people and hosts a variety of religious and community events, including its role as the home of the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir . The Choir’s rehearsals are open to the public.

There are two visitors’ centers on Temple Square where people can learn more about Latter-day Saint beliefs through exhibits and films. The North Visitors’ Center features an 11-foot replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus statue. Exhibits at the South Visitors’ Center include a scaled model of the Salt Lake Temple, providing a glimpse inside the historic building.

West of Temple Square, people interested in learning more about genealogy flock to the Family History Library , the largest library of its kind in the world. There is also the Church History Museum , which tells the history of the worldwide Church through educational exhibits and programs. Both of these buildings are free and open to anyone. Those interested in learning more about Mormon history may also visit the Church History Library , which is located northeast of Temple Square.

To the east of Temple Square is the 28-story Church Office Building , which was built in 1972. This is the tallest building in Salt Lake City and visitors can go up the observation deck for a beautiful view of the area. Next to the Church Office Building is the classical-style Church Administration Building, which was built in 1917. This building houses the offices of current Church leaders and is not open to the public.

A favorite with visitors is the century-old Joseph Smith Memorial Building , which was formerly the Hotel Utah. This grand old building welcomes the public to its three restaurants and multiple banquet rooms and provides office space for Church employees. Visitors can also enjoy a free film entitled Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration , about the first president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

North of Temple Square sits the 21,000-seat Conference Center , which is one of the largest auditoriums in the world. This building, which was finished in 2000, is used for the Church’s general conference , which is held twice a year and broadcast worldwide. The Conference Center also hosts a variety of concerts and performances, including the popular Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concerts . Another favorite holiday tradition on Temple Square is the annual display of Christmas lights .

Visitors to Temple Square can step back in time at two nearby homes built in the mid-1800s for Church President Brigham Young and his family. Free tours are offered at the Beehive House , while a restaurant in the Lion House serves up home-style cooking.

Travelers who have layovers at the Salt Lake International Airport can take a free shuttle to Temple Square and take a tour while they are waiting for their flight.

Style Guide Note: When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide .

To download media files, please first review and agree to the Terms of Use . Download a photo or video by clicking or tapping on it. To download all photos or videos related to this article, select the links at the bottom of each section.

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Please Note: Much of Temple Square is undergoing a major renovation, which is expected to be completed in 2026. Due to the construction work, some buildings have limited hours and tour opportunities. Temporary individual site hours are noted below. The Main Street Plaza, between North Temple and South Temple streets, will be closed until early 2024. See current access points to and from buildings  here . Missionaries offer free guided tours starting from the Conference Center or just inside the west gate of Temple Square (meet at the Bell Tower).

Temple Square is much more than a religious icon. It's a collage of fascinating history, singular architecture, and gourmet dining. Temple Square in Salt Lake City is Utah's most popular tourist destination. Part of its appeal lies in its accessibility: five city blocks in downtown Salt Lake City contain nearly 20 attractions related to Latter-day Saint pioneer history and genealogy, including the Salt Lake Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Family Search Library. This means that visitors can see all or most of these attractions in a relatively short period of time.

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We have outlined a walking tour below, containing what we consider the must-see attractions on and around temple square.  click here  for a printable map. hours of operation change seasonally, so be sure to check before your trip., salt lake temple.

This building is a worldwide icon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the heart of Temple Square. The massive granite edifice was constructed in a neo-gothic style over the course of an astounding 40-year period between 1853 and 1893. The pioneers who settled the valley sacrificed both time and material goods to the building of the temple, which stands as a testament to their faith and devotion. Please be aware that only members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are permitted to enter the temple, but all visitors are welcome to peruse the grounds and admire the stunning workmanship of the building and the serene beauty of its immediate surroundings.

The temple is currently under a multi-year seismic renovation. Learn more about the renovation.

From the Visitors' Center, we recommend walking around the Assembly Hall, one of the most ornate and colorful buildings on Temple Square. Built in 1877, the Assembly Hall is used today for free weekend concerts featuring local and international artists. If you happen to visit on a Friday or Saturday evening, be advised that the concerts are free and do not require tickets, although only those eight years of age and older are admitted.

Salt Lake Tabernacle

Home of the world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, the Tabernacle, located just north of the Assembly Hall, is an architectural and acoustic wonder. The famous organ at the front of the Tabernacle contains 11,623 pipes, making it one of the largest and richest-sounding organs in the world, and the building was constructed so that even the drop of a pin at the front of the building can be heard throughout the building. The Tabernacle is usually open daily for tours. In addition, the public is welcome to attend choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings and the Music and the Spoken Word broadcasts on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am.

Family Search Library

From Temple Square, cross West Temple Street and go south to the Family Search Library, which gives visitors access to the world's largest collection of genealogical resources. If you have time, plan to spend an hour or two researching information on your own ancestors; volunteers are on hand to help you through the process if necessary. The Family Search Library is open Monday through Saturday. Hours vary. 

Deuel Pioneer Log Home

North of the Family History Library is the Deuel Pioneer Log Cabin, which gives visitors a glimpse into pioneer life. It is typical of the homes built in the Salt Lake Valley after it was settled in 1847, the very first of which was built nearby by William Henry Deuel. Please note the Deuel Cabin is temporarily closed.

Church History Museum

Also north of the Family Search Library you will find the Church History Museum. Highlights of the museum interactive exhibits and a collection of historic artifacts richly covering 26 years of history (1820-1846), from the origins of Joseph Smith to the Latter-day Saint pioneer exodus to the West.

Conference Center

Located just north of the temple, the Conference Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains a 21,000-seat auditorium and an 850-seat theater. It also houses an array of artworks that tell about scripture stories, Church teachings and organization, and Jesus Christ. Free, guided tours of the Conference Center are available daily, and tours of the beautiful rooftop gardens are available April through October. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and during the month of December, Music and the Spoken Word is recorded here each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (Visitors must be seated by 9:15 a.m.) The Conference Center is occasionally home to other events, so you might want to consider calling (801) 240-0075 for information before visiting.

Church History Library

Just east of the Conference Center is the Church History Library. It was created in 2009 to house records for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The building contains materials that chronicle the history of the Church from 1830 to the present day. Many of the historical documents are in storage rooms that are kept at closely monitored temperatures for preservation purposes. Many of these materials are available for you to explore and volunteers are available to assist you.

Relief Society Building

Moving south of the Church History Library you will come to the Relief Society Building, which houses Church offices and a resource center. The Relief Society is the oldest women's organization in the world and an important part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which focuses on the strengthening of home and family. Please note the Relief Society Building is currently closed.

Church Office Building

East of the Relief Society Building is the Church Office Building, the administrative center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which claims more than 12 million members worldwide. Standing at 28 stories, the building dominates the Temple Square-area skyline. Please note this building is closed to the public.

Brigham Young Historic Park

Traveling east across State Street you will enter Brigham Young Historic Park. This small park was once part of pioneer and Mormon leader Brigham Young's farm. During the summer, the park hosts concerts as well as Garden Talks. Seating is provided, but you can also bring blankets or chairs.

Pioneer Memorial Monument

South of Brigham Young Historical Park along State Street is the Mormon Pioneer Memorial Monument, which honors the more than 6,000 pioneers who died crossing the plains between 1847 and 1869. It is also home to the gravesite of Brigham Young, under whose leadership the Mormon pioneers traveled from Illinois to Utah and established a rich society and culture here.

Social Hall Heritage Museum

The Social Hall was where the first residents of Salt Lake City gathered to relax, unwind from their labors, be with friends, and enjoy singing and dancing. Today the remains of this building are preserved in a museum that shows a different side of pioneer life. The museum, located half a block south of the Pioneer Memorial Monument, is open from Monday through Saturday, and admission is free.

Beehive House

On the corner of State Street and South Temple is the Beehive House, Brigham Young's main residence. The mansion has been beautifully restored and serves as a museum offering tours showing what life was like for the Young family back in 1854. Tours are free and available daily, beginning every 10 minutes.

Next to the Beehive House on South Temple is the Lion House, another of Brigham Young's residences. Today the building operates as an event venue with eight banquet rooms and a lovely garden area. It also has a restaurant on the street level called the Lion House Pantry, featuring home-style meals and baked goods. The Lion House is currently under renovation and will be expected to reopen in 2025.

Church Administration Building

Moving west along South Temple you will see the Church Administration Building. Although it is not open to the general public, it is worth noting that current leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have their offices in this classical-style building.

This walking tour of Temple Square concludes at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, located just west of the Church Administration Building. This stately building, originally constructed in 1911, is dedicated to Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and houses several attractions of interest. This building is currently under renovation with an expected reopening in 2025.

We recommend the restaurants and the food court at City Creek Center, which is across the street from Temple Square.

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Conference Center

Physical Address

The Conference Center hosts the semiannual worldwide broadcast of the general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is also the main arrival center for guests visiting Temple Square. The center is located on North Temple directly north of the Salt Lake Temple.

The Conference Center construction began in 1997 and was completed in 2000. The 1.4-million-square-foot building features multilevel floors, terrace views of the Salt Lake Temple, and a rooftop garden. It was built over an entire city block from the same granite deposits that were used to build the Salt Lake Temple in the 1800s. It was dedicated in 2000 by Gordon B. Hinckley, then President of the Church.

The primary purpose of the building is for Latter-day Saints and leaders from all over the globe to attend the semiannual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During this conference they listen to the counsel of Church leaders under the guidance of the prophet and President of the Church.

This general conference happens during April and October each year, when thousands of people fill the 21,000-seat auditorium five times over the two-day conference to listen to Church leaders.

The main auditorium is one of the largest of its kind in the world—large enough to fit a Boeing 747 airplane. The unique balcony design, supported on only one side, eliminates the need for support columns and allows for each attendee to see the pulpit from any seat in the auditorium. Each conference address is translated into over 90 languages, many of which are interpreted in the Conference Center and broadcast around the world in real time. During general conference, music is provided by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, which is made up of 360 singers. The auditorium stage houses a Schoenstein organ, which has over 7,000 pipes—some of them among the largest organ pipes in existence. Behind the scenes of this event, hundreds of employees and volunteers work the lighting, sound, and cameras.

The Conference Center is also a performance home of the world-famous Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square . This venue provides a home for the choir’s national broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word null during the summer months and the annual PBS holiday special Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir . It is also a major venue for the Latin-inspired Luz de las Naciones (Light of the Nations) performance along with a host of other concerts and special engagements throughout the year.

Located within the Conference Center is the Conference Center Theater. This 850-seat theater is comparable to a Broadway theater with computer-controlled lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system. It is the site of Church productions such as Savior of the World and other family-oriented cultural productions and events.

The rooftop gardens are available through a guided tour. This provides a panoramic view of downtown Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake Valley, and the Wasatch Mountain Range.

Key Experiences

• A replica of sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s masterpiece, the Christus . Jesus Christ is central to Latter-day Saint beliefs.
• Seasonal broadcast (during the summer months) of Sunday morning’s Music & the Spoken Word featuring The Tabernacle Choir.
• Multiple exhibits showcasing artwork of Christ, His ministry, and His Resurrection as recorded in the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon. Artwork also depicts the lives and faith of those who have followed Him throughout time.
• Multiple exhibits in different areas of the Conference Center showcasing the history of the Saints in the Salt Lake area as well as the history of the Salt Lake Temple .
• In the Conference Center Theater—a 17-minute orientation film providing a welcome to Temple Square, including the construction of the Salt Lake Temple and an explanation of why temples are so important to Latter-day Saints as a place to worship God.
• In the main auditorium—a film, “Why We Gather,” that shares the history of the Conference Center and how it’s used today.
• In the east lobby and on the third floor—original photos, artifacts, and information about the Salt Lake Temple’s original construction.
• Throughout the Conference Center—bronze sculptures depicting key moments of Latter-day Saint history.
• The third-floor observation deck , which provides views of the north side of the Salt Lake Temple seismic renovation project. Included in this area is the Temple Model, a scaled-down cutout replica of the Salt Lake Temple.
• Free guided and self-guided tours for individuals, families, and large groups.
• The rooftop gardens , which host acres of native trees and grasses reflecting the meadowlands of Utah. The roof also includes a stunning view of the Salt Lake Temple seismic renovation project.

Accessibility

• Elevators, escalators, and stairs are available for every walking level.
• Spanish and Mandarin translations of the films are available.

Additional Resources

Read or Listen to General Conference Talks

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

View All Conference Center Exhibits

Visit Temple Square

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