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 This
ten-acre block located in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City is Utah's
number one tourist attraction. Located in the center of the square is
the 6-spire granite Salt Lake Temple, adjacent
to the temple is the domed shape Tabernacle,
which is home to the world-famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Tabernacle
Organ. Temple Square also features the
Assembly Hall located south of the tabernacle,
the North Visitor's Center and the
South Visitor's Center. Several monuments and statues are
also located through the grounds portraying significant events of the
Mormon Church. Forty-five minute free tours of the square begin
every 5 to 10 minutes at the 100-foot flagpole in the center of the
block. Christmas lights decorate
Temple Square every year for the holiday season.
For more information call the temple square visitor's center at (801) 240-2534 |
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For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints visit the Church's Official Website |
The
magnificent Salt Lake Temple stands as one of Salt Lake
City's oldest and most recognized building structures.
Construction of the temple began in 1853 under the direction
of Brigham Young and took 40 years to complete. The
temple was constructed of granite hauled by oxcart from
a quarry located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, 20 miles outside
of Salt Lake City. Temples are considered sacred sites
to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,
and thus only worthy members are allowed to enter.
Sacred ordinances such as marriage are performed within
the temple. Visitors are encouraged to visit the visitor
centers to learn more about the temple and overall beliefs
of the LDS Church.
The
domed shaped tabernacle sits adjacent to the temple.
Construction on the Tabernacle began in 1863 and ended in
1875. The Tabernacle had been home to the LDS
semiannual conferences up until the construction of a new
The
Assembly Hall was completed in 1877 and was one of the first
meeting houses built by the early pioneer settlers.
The gothic-styled building was constructed from granite
that was left over from the construction of the temple and
it features lovely stained-glass windows. The Assembly
Hall now serves as an overflow to the church's semiannual
conference. The Assembly Hall is also the location
for the Temple Square Concert Series which are held
most Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm. Tickets
are not required, but admittance is for those 8 years of
age and older. During the Christmas season, concerts
are held Tuesday - Saturday. For more information
contact the visitor center at (801) 240-2534.
Sitting
outside the Assembly Hall is the Handcart Monument.
The monument is a tribute to the pioneers who crossed the
plains and arrived in Salt Lake City seeking religious freedom.
The
Seagull Monument is located in front of the Assembly Hall.
The monument stands in memory of an event that occurred
in 1848 when seagulls saved the crops of the early pioneers
by eating crickets that were attacking the crops.
The
North Visitor's Center offers visitors the opportunity to
learn about the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-Day Saints. The highlight of the visitor
center is an 11-foot Christus statue which sits atop a ramp
leading to the Visitor's center upper level. On the
top level of the visitor center are paintings that depict
the life of Christ. The main floor has paintings depicting
Old Testament stories and the lower level offers visitors
various interactive displays about church beliefs.
The
11 foot marble replica of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen
(1768-1844) sits on the top level of the North Visitor's
center. The statue presents the LDS belief in Jesus
Christ. Christ is presented with outstretched arms,
inviting all to come unto Him.
You
are invited to view two new exhibits in the recently remodeled
South Visitors' Center. "Building the Salt Lake Temple"
uses interactive displays and original artifacts to tell
the story of how the Salt Lake Temple was built by pioneers.
"The Family" explains the importance of families in the
Lord's plan for His children and offers practical answers
and sound principles to guide you in strengthening your
family.