Temple Square Salt Lake Temple Renovation: Complete Update & Visitor Guide

Arguably among the most ambitious efforts ever undertaken by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restoration of the Salt Lake Temple in Temple Square. Being an historic area, it has always been a religious center and a monument to craft and faith. Thus, since the year 2019, the Church has been actively pursuing refurbishing the temple, including its structural strengthening and guaranteeing the continuance of its legacy.

Hence, everything major concerning the temple square salt lake temple renovation must be grasped: from the groundbreaking alterations down to the plans for the visitors.

1. Why Start the Temple Square Salt Lake Temple Renovation?

Back in 2019, on the 21st of April, President Russell M. Nelson made public the temple square salt lake temple renovation project. He emphasized the effect seismic upgrades would have on safety improvements as well as long-term preservation. The goal was clear: protect this sacred structure for future generation while respect its historical importance.

2. What Are the Main Objectives?

The Church has enumerated the central objectives for the Temple Square Salt Lake Temple renovation:

• Working on strengthening the foundations and walls of the temple
• Modernizing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
• Increasing internal space and sealing rooms
• Adding patron pavilions and visitor areas
• Improving accessibility to all guests
• Refreshing the gardens and grounds of Temple Square

Each step of the renovation nurtures the sacred purpose of the temple and the improvement of guests’ experience.

3. Timeline of the Temple Square Salt Lake Temple Renovation

Due to the scale of the temple square salt lake temple renovation, delays occurred—but they led to greater precision and care.

4. Earthquake-Resistant Engineering

The temple square salt lake temple renovation includes world-class seismic upgrades. Engineers installed 98 base isolators beneath the temple, allowing it to shift during earthquakes without damage.

Key actions include:

• Cutting the building free from its foundation
• Installing base isolators for movement absorption
• Pouring thick concrete slabs
• Reinforcing walls with tension cables

This system makes the ancient temple into one suitable to resist a major seismic event.

5. Binding the Structure from Top to Bottom

To fortify the temple, construction teams added:

• Post-tensioned cables to anchor the walls and towers
• Transfer beams under load-bearing walls
• Structural steel framing to support stone walls
• Vertical cables that tie the spires to the foundation

These changes make the temple one solid, unified structure. They reflect the precision behind the temple square salt lake temple renovation.

6. Restoration of the Roof and Spires

As part of the temple square salt lake temple renovation, workers removed and restored over 6,000 granite stones from the spires. They cleaned each one, reinforced it with modern materials, and replaced it.

Other roof upgrades include:

• New steel trusses to support the roof
• Caps on all spires to prevent shifting
• Reinstallation of the Angel Moroni statue

These updates preserve the temple’s look while strengthening its structure.

7. Inside the Temple: Expansion and Redesign

The Church made major changes to the temple’s interior during the temple square salt lake temple renovation:

• Built a second baptistry
• Increased sealing rooms from 13 to 22
• Created five instruction rooms
• Upgraded AV systems for multilingual presentations

These improvements help more people participate in sacred ordinances more efficiently.

8. Protecting Historic Beauty

The temple square salt lake temple renovation balances progress with preservation. The Church hired experts to:

• Catalog and restore wood finishes and plaster
• Carefully preserve original murals
• Use laser tools to clean decorative medallions
• Match paint, carpet, and lighting to original 1893 styles

Every effort honors the temple’s legacy and craftsmanship.

9. Changes to Baptismal Fonts

Two baptistries now serve the temple:

• The east baptistry was restored with original oxen statues
• The new west baptistry uses fiberglass oxen in a similar design

Both areas are easier to access and reflect sacred symbolism important to temple ordinances.

10. Visitor Pavilions and Entryways

The temple square salt lake temple renovation includes the construction of two large pavilions. These pavilions:

• Welcome patrons and guests
• Provide waiting areas and exhibits
• Improve accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers
• Connect directly to the temple’s underground levels

These pavilions offer a modern gateway to a sacred experience.

11. Landscaping Across Temple Square

Landscape architects transformed Temple Square as part of the temple square salt lake temple renovation:

• Replaced grass with drought-tolerant plants
• Created peaceful reflection gardens
• Replanted 250 flower beds twice a year
• Planted hundreds of trees to provide shade

Sustainability and serenity now go hand in hand across Temple Square.

12. Restoring Historic Buildings Around the Temple

The renovation extends beyond the temple itself. Surrounding buildings received attention:

• Assembly Hall: Roof and foundation work, seismic updates
• Joseph Smith Memorial Building: Elevators, lighting, accessibility
• Beehive House and Lion House: Modern utilities and landscaping

All updates support the wider mission of the temple square salt lake temple renovation.

13. What’s Open to Visitors During Renovation?

While the main temple is closed, you can still visit:

• The Tabernacle
• Family History Library
• Church History Museum
• Conference Center
• Main Street Plaza

You’ll find interactive exhibits and tours that highlight the temple square salt lake temple renovation and LDS history.

14. Angel Moroni: Restored and Raised

Earthquakes produce wonders; even the trumpet of the Angel Moroni statue was broken in 2020! Since then, the statue has again been restored and re-erected on the spire in 2021. Thereafter, internal steel was added to secure it.

This iconic symbol now stands tall above the temple again.

15. Open House: Public Tour Before Reopening

In 2027, the Church will invite the public to tour the Salt Lake Temple. You don’t need to be a Church member to attend. This open house marks the first time in over 130 years that everyone can explore the entire building.

It’s a rare opportunity tied to the temple square salt lake temple renovation.

16. Eco-Friendly Changes

The renovation reflects the Church’s commitment to sustainability. Teams:

• Installed energy-efficient lighting
• Captured and reused stormwater
• Designed solar-ready electrical systems
• Chose recycled and local materials

The temple square salt lake temple renovation isn’t just about sacred space—it’s about stewardship too.

17. Project Challenges and Delays

The project faced delays from:

• COVID-19 shutdowns
• Harsh winter storms
• Supply chain issues
• Expanded scope and upgrades

Despite these, the Church moved forward with patience and precision.

18. Total Investment

The Church has not revealed the total cost of the temple square salt lake temple renovation, but estimates place it between $300–500 million. It reflects the Church’s dedication to quality and sacred purpose.

19. Long-Term Vision for Temple Square

When completed, the temple square salt lake temple renovation will offer:

• Enhanced safety for generations
• Expanded capacity for ordinances
• Improved guest experience
• Restored historical beauty

The temple and its surroundings will create not only a spiritual home but also a worldwide symbol of faith.

20. Final Words: A Legacy Renewed

The temple square salt lake temple renovation shows how faith and technology can work together. History was preserved by the Church while it embraced the future. This temple will hold strong now for centuries, eager to welcome visitors, worshippers, and seekers from across the globe.