- Home
- Things To Do
- History & Heritage
- Mormon Heritage
- Temple Square
TEMPLE SQUARE
Top Activities at Temple Square
Please note that due to ongoing renovation of the Salt Lake Temple through 2026, access to some areas of Temple Square may be limited. For more information about which attractions and buildings are open, see their hours of operation.
The Conference Center is the primary venue for the Temple Square guest experience during the ongoing renovation. It is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily featuring 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 unique art from around the world.
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 currently closed for renovation. Tour the Conference Center to see a scale model of the temple and its interior and enjoy views of the renovation work in progress. 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. (Read the story: The Geographical and Musical Heart of Salt Lake). 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. See upcoming events.
Joseph Smith Memorial Building
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building was formerly the Hotel Utah, but was transformed into an office building and event space. Currently undergoing renovations, it is expected to reopen in 2025.
Church History Museum
The Church History Museum features interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and a curated collection of global art. Additional highlights include:
- A full-size 168-year-old historic log home
- A 240-degree theater experience
- A rotating fine art collection
Other Temple Square Locations
- The Conference Center has impressive architecture, artwork and a 21,000-seat auditorium.
- The FamilySearch 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 Beehive House and the Lion House were the homes of early Church president Brigham Young and his large family. These buildings are currently closed for renovation.
More Visitor Information
- Fee-based, metered two-hour parking is available throughout the city and there is paid, underground parking beneath the Conference Center (free with validation inside the Conference Center) or City Creek Center, which is free for the first two hours.
- Dogs are not allowed on Temple Square, even on a leash.
- 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. The display typically runs through the New Year.
Discover More
-
5 Road Trip-Worthy Restaurants in Kanab, Utah
Written By Andrew Dash Gillman
4 minute read
Hungry for a culinary renaissance? Or a small-town staple? Whatever you’re craving, fuel your outdoor adventures at these favorite Kanab restaurants.
-
A Sweet-Tooth’s Guide to Downtown Provo
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
We’ve set out on a walk in search of Provo's best treats. We were not disappointed.
-
Artisan Cheese in Red Rock Country
Written By Darby Doyle
8 minute read
Two decades ago, Randy Ramsley traded his Dockers-and-tie city job for a 50 acre plot of land that he called a “Garden of Weedin” and the dream of establishing a sustainable farmstead. Now travelers from all over the globe know the small market and counter-service restaurant at Mesa Farm as a refreshing “must-do” respite seemingly plunked in the middle of nowhere on Highway 24 east of Capitol Reef National Park.
-
Best Après Ski Bars in Park City and Beyond
Written By Austen Diamond
4 minute read
Want to master the art of après? Here’s your guide to the best après-ski bars in Park City and the Wasatch Front.
-
Discover the Breweries of the Wasatch Front
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Over the past two decades, Salt Lake’s breweries have grown into a culture all their own. Here’s what you need to start planning a pub crawl with this collection of Salt Lake’s most popular breweries.
-
Eating Up Mount Timpanogos
Written By David Vogel
3 minute read
Learn about the Utah farms near Mt. Timpanogos that produce luscious lettuce and artisan cheese. Make your own plans to “eat up” Mt. Timpanogos!
-
Heber Eats
Written By Paula Colman
4 minute read
Heber Valley is a basecamp for adventure with none of the crowds! With restaurants, bakeries, yurt dining and more there is never a shortage of places to eat.
-
Hell's Backbone Grill
Written By Matcha
Boulder, Utah sits at the edge of wilderness, but Hell's Backbone Grill culinary ethics and farm-to-table cuisine puts most city dining to shame.
-
Kiva Koffeehouse
Kiva Koffeehouse is a welcome stop for fresh food and espresso tucked on a hillside down a dirt driveway near milepost 73 on the scenic byway.
-
Meet the Women Leading Utah's Food and Beverage Renaissance
Written By Darby Doyle
When it comes to food and beverage in Utah, there are key influencers who have been the proponents of change, growth, and the role of women in Utah’s food scene.
-
Mesa Farm Market
Best local shops and healthy eats near Moab and Capitol Reef. Try the goat cheese!
-
More Than Coffee: The Caffeinators of Salt Lake City
Written By Austin Wright
8 minute read
The unique Salt Lake City coffee community is ready to embrace you. When you visit Utah, try all the capital city's coffee shops and styles to find your favorite cup.
-
Navajo: Fry Bread, Tacos, Pizza
Despite its troubling origins, Navajo fry bread is an inspired food of the nation’s people, and it can be found in many forms with various names around the southwest.
-
Short List: Local Salt Lake City Nightlife Picks
Make the most of winter's shortened daylight by extending your Utah ski trip into the night. Sure, some resorts offer incredible night skiing — so, okay, after that — but then the night really gets going in downtown Ski City.
-
The Hills are Alive With the Scent of Whiskey
Written By Cody Kirkland
4 minute read
The first of several legal Utah distilleries since 1870 is the High West Distillery. Tour the facility, enjoy a tasting, build your flight and have a burger.
-
The Spice of (a New) Life
Written By Austen Diamond
4 minute read
Some of the best food in Salt Lake City is served in the Spice Incubator Kitchen. Come visit this international culinary kitchen for a treat to your taste buds.
-
Utah Spirits Tours
Written By Darby Doyle
5 minute read
Utahns have rediscovered distilling. Sample the merchandise on a gin distillery tour, stay for dinner and taste Utah whiskey, vodka and more on other tours.
-
Utah's Rum Underdogs
Written By Darby Doyle
6 minute read
Utah distilleries are becoming very popular. Distillery 36 is rising to the top of the list. Drink in their story and then let’s toast with Brigham agricole rum!
-
Utah’s Fruit Way: Harvest Time Along Old Highway 89
Written By Darby Doyle
6 minute read
Headed to Bear Lake, Golden Spike National Historical Park or the Bear Lake Migratory Bird Refuge? Stock up with fresh road-trip snacks and dinner provisions direct from family-run farm stands, all within a stone’s throw of the region’s many historic farms and orchards.
-
Utah’s Women Make History
Written By Darby Doyle
5 minute read
Walk in the footsteps of Utah’s earliest women’s suffrage leaders at sites throughout downtown Salt Lake City. Along the way, view public art installations commemorating voting rights and stop at trail-adjacent local women-owned businesses.
-
Want Wine? Utah Has an App for That!
Written By Paula Colman
Search for and locate any wine, beer or spirit in the entire statewide inventory using an app.
-
Welcome to the 5%: Liquor Laws Support Utah's Vibrant Craft Brew Scene
Written By Matcha
While Utah still has some unconventional liquor laws on the books, they aren’t an impediment to enjoying the local creations. So raise a glass to your next trip to Utah — you won’t be disappointed.
-
Where to Eat and Drink in St. George
Written By Elainna Ciaramella
6 minute read
As you explore St. George and Greater Zion seeking excellent food, coffee and drinks, you’ll want to add these top restaurants to your list.
-
Where’s the Meat?
Written By Darby Doyle
5 minute read
Taking the blue highways, finding a local diner or picking up fresh fruit from a family-run farm store gets us that much more in touch with the flow of seasons and feeling grounded in our sense of place as we travel. And shrinking the circle of our food sourcing has become a priority for many people even, and especially, while on the road.
-
Women in the Wild: Transformation and the Outdoors
Written By Paula Colman
11 minute read
Paula Colman joins a weekend retreat for women in Moab, Utah, that has an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe. Connect with your inner spirit. Transform body, mind and spirit around the theme: “Ignite the Flame Within.” Follow along as she seeks her authentic self and learn how to find your own Tribe.