Temple Square

State: Utah. Type: 10-acre historic religious and civic complex in downtown Salt Lake City, owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Site selected by Brigham Young in 1847; temple construction began 1853. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964. Estimated 5-plus million visitors a year. Serves as the origin point of Salt Lake City's street-address grid.

Temple Square is the historic and spiritual heart of downtown Salt Lake City, a 10-acre complex owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that has anchored the city since Brigham Young selected the site in 1847, reportedly declaring, "Here we will build a temple to our God." The square contains the Salt Lake Temple, the church's largest temple; the Salt Lake Tabernacle, built 1864-1867 and seating about 8,000; the Assembly Hall, completed in 1882 and seating around 2,000; and the much newer Conference Center, which opened in 2000 with capacity for more than 21,000. Two visitor centers (undergoing renovation as of research, through 2026), the FamilySearch Library and the Church History Museum round out the complex. Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964, Temple Square draws an estimated five million-plus visitors a year, on par with many major U.S. attractions, and its grounds also serve as the geographic zero-point for Salt Lake City's street-numbering grid.

Temple Square sits in downtown Salt Lake City at roughly 40°46'14"N 111°53'33"W, spanning about 10 acres. Its southeast corner is the reference point from which Salt Lake City's street address grid radiates outward.

Temple Square shares Salt Lake City's climate: hot, dry summers (frequently above 90°F) and cold winters with roughly 60 inches of average annual snowfall between November and April. Because most core buildings are indoors, weather affects the outdoor gardens and walking tour portions more than the historic interiors.

Winter, especially December, is a particularly popular time to visit thanks to the grounds' large-scale Christmas lights display (roughly 100,000 lights); spring and summer offer pleasant weather for enjoying the outdoor gardens between building visits.

Brigham Young selected the Temple Square site immediately upon the Mormon pioneers' arrival in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Construction of the Salt Lake Temple began in 1853 and took decades to complete given the scale of the project. The Salt Lake Tabernacle, known for its distinctive domed roof and acoustics, was built between 1864 and 1867 and seats about 8,000; the Assembly Hall followed, completed in 1882 with roughly 2,000 seats. The complex was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964 in recognition of its architectural and historical significance. In 2000, the much larger Conference Center opened nearby, with capacity for more than 21,000, reflecting the church's growth. The two visitor centers, along with the FamilySearch Library and Church History Museum, have since been added to help interpret the site's history and church doctrine for visitors.

Visitors can walk the landscaped grounds among the Salt Lake Temple, Tabernacle and Assembly Hall, take free guided tours led by church volunteers, and visit the Church History Museum and FamilySearch Library for genealogy research. Free organ demonstrations and choir rehearsals/broadcasts associated with the Tabernacle Choir are a traditional draw for many visitors, though current schedules should be checked directly given ongoing renovations. In December, the grounds' large Christmas lights display is a major seasonal attraction.

The Salt Lake Temple is the complex's centerpiece, though as an active temple its interior is reserved for church members rather than general tourists. The Salt Lake Tabernacle and Assembly Hall are open for public visits and events. The modern Conference Center hosts large gatherings. The FamilySearch Library and Church History Museum offer additional indoor stops for genealogy and church-history interests.

Temple Square sits in downtown Salt Lake City, walkable from most downtown hotels and directly served by the city's TRAX light-rail system, with a stop near the square. Salt Lake City International Airport is roughly 5-7 miles away, about a 10-minute drive or 15-minute TRAX ride to downtown.

Temple Square's grounds and visitor facilities are generally open daily, though the site's two visitor centers were undergoing renovation as of research (work referenced through 2026); check the current hours and building access directly with Temple Square before visiting, since a full public schedule was not confirmed in available sources.

There is no general admission fee to walk Temple Square's public grounds or attend the free public tours and events described on the church's visitor sites; the Salt Lake Temple's interior is restricted to church members rather than open to ticketed public tours.

One to two hours covers a walk through the grounds and a visit to the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall; visitors adding the Church History Museum, FamilySearch Library, or a guided tour should plan for closer to half a day.

Numerous downtown Salt Lake City hotels sit within a few blocks of Temple Square, ranging from major chain properties to boutique options, making it one of the most walkable lodging areas in the city.

Downtown Salt Lake City's Main Street and Gateway district, both within walking distance of Temple Square, offer a range of casual and sit-down dining options.

The Utah State Capitol, Natural History Museum of Utah, and the wider downtown business and arts district are all within a short walk or drive of Temple Square.

Temple Square is directly served by Salt Lake City's TRAX light-rail system, with downtown stops nearby; Salt Lake City International Airport, about 5-7 miles away, is the nearest air gateway.

As a busy downtown public square, keep track of belongings and children in crowds, particularly during the December lights display when visitor numbers peak. Photography and access rules apply inside some buildings, so follow posted signage and volunteer guidance. Dial 911 for any emergency.

Comfortable walking shoes for the grounds, layered clothing for Utah's seasonal temperature swings, and a camera for the architecture and (in December) the lights display. A jacket is worth carrying even in summer for air-conditioned interiors.

Because the two visitor centers were under renovation as of research, call ahead or check the Temple Square app/website for current building access before planning your visit around a specific center. Visiting in December adds the popular Christmas lights display but also the heaviest crowds; a weekday or early-morning visit can help avoid peak congestion. Using TRAX light rail avoids downtown parking hassles.

Dial 911 for any emergency. Temple Square/Salt Lake Temple Celebration visitor line: (801) 353-3355 or templesquare@churchofjesuschrist.org.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Square - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temple-square

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.