Temple Square | Salt Lake City

Information

Landmark: Temple Square
City: Salt Lake City
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America

Temple Square, Salt Lake City, USA Utah, North America

Temple Square is a 10-acre plot in Salt Lake City, Utah, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It serves as the religious and administrative center for the Church.

Visual Characteristics

The central structure is the Salt Lake Temple, constructed from granite, measuring 210 feet long, 126 feet wide, and 210 feet high at its central spire. It features six spires, with the tallest topped by the Angel Moroni statue. Surrounding the temple are the Salt Lake Tabernacle, an oval-shaped building with a distinctive domed roof constructed from timber and supported by 42 stone piers, and the Assembly Hall, a Gothic Revival chapel built of granite. The grounds are landscaped with lawns, flower beds, and trees.

Location & Access Logistics

Temple Square is located in downtown Salt Lake City, bordered by North Temple Street, South Temple Street, West Temple Street, and Main Street. It is accessible via I-15, exiting at 600 South or 400 South and heading north on Main Street. Parking is available in adjacent underground garages, such as the Joseph Smith Memorial Building parking garage. Public transport options include the UTA TRAX light rail system with a Temple Square station, and multiple bus routes that stop along Main Street and South Temple Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Salt Lake Temple began on July 26, 1847, and was dedicated on April 6, 1893. It was designed by Truman O. Angell. The Tabernacle construction began in 1863 and was completed in 1867, designed by Henry Grow. The Assembly Hall was built between 1877 and 1882.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the grounds, view the exterior of the temples and tabernacle, and attend free concerts by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Information centers are available for historical and religious context. Guided tours of the grounds are offered daily.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in the various visitor centers and adjacent buildings. Shaded areas are provided by trees and covered walkways. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available throughout the square. Food vendors are not directly on Temple Square, but numerous restaurants are located within a short walking distance in the surrounding downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the granite structures. The best months for weather are typically May through October, with mild temperatures. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

The Angel Moroni statue atop the Salt Lake Temple is made of copper and gilded with gold leaf. It faces east, symbolizing the Second Coming of Christ. A local legend suggests that if the statue were to fall, it would signify the end of the world.