Temple Square Undergoes Renovations and Reopens Southwest Corner

News Summary

Temple Square has reopened its southwest quadrant, allowing visitors to explore the Salt Lake Tabernacle and Assembly Hall. As renovations continue, three restored monuments are unveiled, honoring key events in church history. A new sealing wing for the Salt Lake Temple is being constructed, expanding its capacity. An open house for the renovated temple is scheduled from April to October 2027, inviting all to experience the ongoing transformation and spiritual significance of this historic site.

Temple Square Reopens Southwest Corner, Sparkles with Excitement!

The southwest quadrant of Temple Square has officially swung open its doors once more, making way for visitors to explore all the wonders located on the west side. This long-awaited reopening is sparking joy among both locals and tourists eager to take a stroll through the historic grounds. Now, folks can once again step inside the iconic Salt Lake Tabernacle and the majestic Assembly Hall. To add to the excitement, just a hop across the street lies the FamilySearch Library and the Church History Museum, both waiting to welcome curious minds to dive into the rich history they hold.

Renovation Buzz Continues

As the reopening sets a vibrant tone, it’s important to note that while many areas are open, landscaping work is still in full swing. The lovely grounds are sure to be dressed up even more as natural beauty continues to blossom around the area.

Fans of history and architecture will be thrilled to learn that in a recent update from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, exciting details regarding the Salt Lake Temple renovation have surfaced. One shining highlight? Three newly restored monuments have been proudly unveiled in the southwest corner of Temple Square. These significant pieces showcase moments that have marked the church’s enduring legacy.

Monuments to Remember

The first two monuments pay homage to crucial events surrounding the restoration of the priesthood. The original monument dates back to 1957 and captures the divine moment when John the Baptist bestowed the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the year 1829. Talk about a piece of history!

The second monument, crafted in 2006, depicts Joseph Smith in the company of the apostles Peter, James, and John as he receives the Melchizedek Priesthood. Rounding out the trio is the famed Seagull Monument, dedicated in 1913. An homage to the incredible “Miracle of the Gulls” that played a pivotal role during Utah’s early settlement, this monument adds a layer of remembrance to the tapestry of Temple Square.

New Spaces for Sacred Moments

Progress is also being made directly on the Salt Lake Temple itself! A brand-new sealing wing is currently under construction, expanding the temple’s capacity from 13 to an impressive 22 sealing rooms. This new wing will be nestled seamlessly against the north wall of the historic temple, incorporating five additional sealing rooms – all built with safety in mind, featuring vital base isolators for improved seismic resilience.

Inside the temple, finish work is actively happening for brand-new baptismal fonts and sealing rooms, paving the way for spiritual experiences to unfold. And there’s exciting news on the health and safety front too! The lead-based paint abatement has been wrapped up, enabling teams to focus on completing the finishing touches for the celestial room and original sealing rooms.

Improvements Around Every Corner