LDS Church announces Temple Square renovation update

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — As February draws to a close, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced updates about the ongoing renovations on Temple Square, including about the renowned Salt Lake Temple.

Open House Celebration Dates

One of the main pieces of Temple Square is the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The temple has been closed for renovations since December 2019 and has been undergoing renovations. Once the renovations are complete, the Salt Lake City landmark will be open to public tours.

Prophet and President of the church Russell M. Nelson made that announcement earlier this month on his social media pages.

“We warmly invite our friends to come and learn about God’s plan for His children and rejoice in the love of Jesus Christ,” he said online.

The temple’s open house will run from April 2027-October 2027.

Southwest Corner Now Open

The church also said in the release put out on Friday that the southwest corner of Temple Square is now open to the public. Those familiar with Temple Square would recognize this is the corner with Salt Lake Tabernacle and the Assembly Hall.

Visitors to Temple Square can see three monuments, two of which are new. The monument that stayed original is the Seagull monument, which dates back to 1913. There are also two monuments depicting the restoration of the priesthood, according to the church.

“The first portrays Joseph Smith receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood from Apostles Peter, James and John (original, 2006), and the other depicts John the Baptist giving Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the Aaronic Priesthood (original, 1957),” the church says.

People are now able to walk uninhibited on the west side of Temple Square.

Salt Lake Temple progress

The church is adding a sealing wing to the north side of the Salt Lake Temple, which gives temple goers who plan on getting sealed, known to members of the faith as getting married for time and eternity, more chances to get sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Finish work on the two additional baptismal fonts and sealing rooms is also moving along steadily the church says. Finishing touches are also being put on the celestial room.

The temple is expected to be finished in late 2026.