40 Facts About Temple Square

Temple Square: A Historic Landmark in Salt Lake City

Temple Square, a 10-acre complex in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a significant site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This historic area attracts millions of visitors annually, offering a blend of religious, cultural, and historical experiences. Here are 40 fascinating facts about Temple Square:

1. Location and Size: Temple Square is located in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah, covering 10 acres (4.0 hectares).

2. History: Brigham Young, the second president of the LDS Church, identified the site shortly after the Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.

3. Name Origin: Initially called the "Temple Block," it was later named Temple Square after the city was surveyed and designated for the temple.

The Salt Lake Temple: A Marvel of Architecture

The Salt Lake Temple is the centerpiece of Temple Square, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.

4. Temple Construction: The cornerstone for the Salt Lake Temple was laid in 1853. It took 40 years to complete, with the temple being dedicated in 1893.

5. Architectural Style: The temple features a neo-Gothic and Romanesque design, built from stone blocks weighing between one and three tons, quarried in Little Cottonwood Canyon, 20 miles south of Salt Lake City.

6. Unique Layout: The streets of Salt Lake City run north, east, south, and west of the temple, making it an example of a hierocentric settlement where civilization centers around the holy point of the temple.

7. National Historic Landmark: Temple Square was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1964, recognizing the Mormon achievement in the settlement of Utah.

Visitor Centers and Tours

Temple Square offers various visitor centers and guided tours to enhance the experience for guests from around the world.

8. Visitor Centers: Two visitors' centers, the North Visitors' Center and the South Visitors' Center, were constructed in 1963 and 1964, respectively. The North Visitors' Center features a replica of the Christus statue.

9. Guides and Tours: Free tours of Temple Square are available in 40 languages from native-speaking guides, making it accessible to visitors from around the world.

10. Public Access: The grounds and buildings of Temple Square are open to the public, except for the temple, which requires visitors to be Latter-day Saints in good standing.

Renovations and Modern Enhancements

Temple Square continues to evolve with modern renovations and enhancements to preserve its historical integrity and improve visitor experiences.

11. Seismic Renovation: The Salt Lake Temple has been closed since the end of 2019 for seismic renovation, which is expected to be completed by 2026.

Musical Heritage: The Tabernacle Choir

Temple Square is home to the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir, which has a rich history and continues to perform regularly.

12. Tabernacle Choir: The Salt Lake Tabernacle, built in 1867, is home to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and hosts various religious and community events.

Assembly Hall and Other Structures

Temple Square features several historic buildings, each with its own unique story and purpose.

13. Assembly Hall: The Salt Lake Assembly Hall, completed in 1882, is a Victorian Gothic congregation hall with a cruciform layout and seats approximately 2,000 people.

14. Decorative Pool: Temple Square features a decorative pool, adding to its aesthetic appeal and providing a serene environment for visitors.

15. Monuments and Statuary: The complex includes several monuments and statuary, such as the Seagull Monument and the Handcart Pioneer monument, which celebrate the history of the Mormon pioneers.

16. Brigham Young Monument: A monument dedicated to Brigham Young is also part of Temple Square, reflecting his significant role in the history of the LDS Church.

Nearby Attractions and Facilities

Temple Square is surrounded by various attractions and facilities that enhance the visitor experience.

17. Joseph Smith Memorial Building: The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, formerly the Hotel Utah, is a century-old building that now serves as a restaurant and banquet space for the public.

18. Church Office Buildings: The Church Office Building and the Church Administration Building are located nearby and are used for Church employees and leaders, but are closed to the public.

19. Family History Library: The Family History Library, located west of the main Temple Square block, is the largest library of its kind in the world and is free and open to anyone interested in genealogy.

20. Church History Museum: The Church History Museum, next to the Family History Library, tells the story of the worldwide Church through educational exhibits and programs.

Conference Center and Events

Temple Square hosts numerous events and conferences, making it a vibrant hub of activity.

21. Conference Center: The Conference Center, one of the largest auditoriums in the world, seats 21,000 people and hosts the Church’s semiannual general conferences, as well as concerts and performances.

22. Christmas Concerts: The Conference Center is particularly famous for hosting the popular Christmas concerts from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

Dining and Annual Events

Temple Square offers various dining options and hosts numerous annual events that attract visitors year-round.

23. Lion House Pantry: The Lion House Pantry restaurant, located at the bottom of one of the homes built for Church President Brigham Young and his family, serves homestyle cooking.

24. Annual Events: Temple Square hosts various annual events, including the display of Christmas lights, which attract tens of thousands of visitors from Thanksgiving to New Year's.

Gardens and Landscaping

The gardens and landscaping of Temple Square are meticulously maintained, providing a beautiful and serene environment for visitors.

25. Rotating Exhibits: The grounds and buildings of Temple Square feature rotating museum exhibits, inspiring artwork, and ever-changing gardens, making each visit unique.

26. Gardens and Landscaping: The gardens on Temple Square are meticulously maintained and feature a unique "skeleton, tendon, and flesh" technique pioneered by Master Gardener Peter Lassig, which has been emulated in gardens worldwide.

27. Grounds Management: The current grounds manager, Eldon Cannon, and his team continue to carry on Lassig's innovative designs, ensuring the natural beauty of the gardens remains a highlight of Temple Square.

Visitor Statistics and Accessibility

Temple Square is one of the most visited attractions in Utah, drawing millions of visitors each year.

28. Visitor Statistics: An estimated 3 to 5 million regional, national, and international visitors come to Temple Square each year, making it the most visited attraction in Utah.

29. Free Admission: Admission to Temple Square is free, although some activities and events may require registration or have specific hours of operation.

30. Dining Options: There are various dining options available on Temple Square, including the Lion House Pantry and the Roof Restaurant in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, which serve home-style meals and attract many visitors.

Cultural and Community Events

Temple Square hosts a variety of cultural and community events, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to visit.

31. Events and Performances: Temple Square hosts dozens of events, exhibits, and performances throughout the year, including concerts, tours, and festive decorations.

32. Historical Residences: Visitors can tour two nearby homes built in the 1800s for Church President Brigham Young and his family, providing a glimpse into the past.

Security and Accessibility

Temple Square ensures the security and accessibility of its grounds and buildings for all visitors.

33. Wall Surrounding the Square: A 15-foot wall surrounds Temple Square, built shortly after the block was designated for the temple, adding to its historic charm.

34. Gates and Access: Gates on all four sides of the square allow access until they are locked in the late evening, ensuring the security of the complex.

Church Headquarters and Educational Programs

Temple Square serves as the headquarters of the LDS Church and offers various educational programs and exhibits.

35. Church Headquarters: Temple Square serves as the headquarters of the LDS Church, housing various administrative buildings and facilities essential to the Church's operations.

36. Educational Programs: The Church History Museum and the Family History Library offer educational programs and exhibits that provide insight into the history and legacy of the LDS Church.

Community and Cultural Activities

Temple Square offers a range of community and cultural activities, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to visit.

37. Community Events: The Salt Lake Tabernacle and Assembly Hall host various community events, including free weekend music concerts and overflow gatherings for the Church’s general conferences.

38. Cultural Activities: Temple Square offers a range of cultural activities, including rotating exhibits, concerts, and performances that reflect the artistic and cultural heritage of the LDS Church.

Seasonal Decorations and Legacy

Temple Square is beautifully decorated throughout the year, reflecting its rich history and legacy.

39. Seasonal Decorations: The complex is beautifully decorated throughout the year, with vibrant gardens and festive decorations that breathe life into the grounds and buildings.

40. Legacy and Impact: Temple Square has fulfilled a vision to connect the history and legacy of Salt Lake City, serving as a means of identity and connection for both residents and visitors, ensuring its continued impact on the future of the city.

Temple Square's Lasting Impact

Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, stands as a testament to history, faith, and community. This 10-acre complex, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attracts millions of visitors annually. With its stunning Salt Lake Temple, historic Tabernacle, and lush gardens, it offers a unique blend of architectural beauty and spiritual significance. The Family History Library and Church History Museum provide educational experiences, while the Conference Center hosts major events. Free tours in 40 languages make it accessible to a global audience. Seasonal decorations and annual events, like the Christmas lights display, add to its charm. Temple Square isn't just a religious site; it's a cultural and historical landmark that continues to inspire and connect people from all walks of life. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or spirituality, Temple Square has something for everyone.