LDS Temple Square

We parked and walked the gardens — very beautiful and peaceful. We spent most of the time admiring the grounds from the water fountain. Great fun — check out the visitors center and the genealogy center. Great place, easy to find parking.

We were in Salt Lake City for a ski trip and on our last evening there, hubs wanted to check out the city itself (we were staying in the Cottonwood Canyon). A quick search on Tripadvisor for tourist attractions pointed us here.
The grounds are kept beautifully and the architecture is impressive. I also really liked the serene feeling I got walking through the gardens. It was getting cold so we decided to go in to Tabernacle to check it out. We opened the door and were greeted by 3 lovely young girls (sisters).
Sister 1: Hello. How are you?
Me: I’m good, thank you, how are you?
Sister 1: Good, thank you.
Sister 2: Where are you guys from?
Me: Los Angeles
Sister 3: What brings you guys to SLC?
Me: Skiing
Sister 1: Do you know anything about LDS Temple?
(My inner voice: You mean like Big Love? Well, I’m pretty sure that’s not what she means so keep your mouth shut, Ami.)
Me: No
Sister 2: started explaining things… but I got distracted in the middle, wondering how old she was and I wonder if her parents are making her do this? kind of stuff
We carried a little bit more conversation but I was getting ready to go. I told them that we were going to check out the inside a little bit. Well, the sister 1 follows us! At this point, I was still thinking she was being nice and wanted to give us the tour of the Tabernacle. She did tell us the history and architecture but the conversation started to go elsewhere after that. This is where I started to think, Are we being recruited???
Sister 1: Have you heard of book of Mormon?
(My inner voice: You mean the musical? Umm, don’t think so, keep your mouth shut)
Me: No
Sister 1: goes in to details about what the book is about… me totally tuning out…
This probably went on for like 10 minutes. It was pretty obvious from our body language that we were not interested, but she would not get the hint. She was so innocent and nice that I felt bad to end the conversation, but at the end I had to tell her I’m an Atheist and not interested in reading the book of Mormon or joining the religion.
As we left the Tabernacle, I was ready for dinner (we were skiing all day before coming here so you can imagine how hungry I was) but hubs wanted to check out the museum, so we made a quick trip. I felt the same urge from everybody there that they really wanted to talk to us. We kept walking, because we felt like we were being watched and if we stopped for too long, somebody would come try to offer explanation about the exhibit.
It’s worth a visit if you are in the area. But if you don’t want to get recruited, don’t engage in conversation with people who work there.

I am unaffiliated and not looking to be recruited ;) That being said, I love the seasonal Christmas light display here. And the reflecting pond is pretty cool at night mirroring the Temple. People watching can be a hoot here, quirky Mormons (I grew up here so I can say that haha). For the most part the workers are friendly and helpful.
The old Tabernacle is an interesting building architecturally. Sit a spell and listen to an organ recital or if you’re lucky the Tabernacle Choir. If you want a tear jerked, they show the film The Testaments in the north visitor’s center daily.

This is a must visit spot for anyone who is in Utah/​SLC. Doesn’t matter wether you are a Mormon or not. It is still a beautiful spot to see. I myself, am not Mormon. But I always love visiting this area. Specially around Christmas time. They have a lot of lights etc and it is so beautiful to walk around and check it out. The architecture is just very nicely done and the area in which the temple is located is also very nice. Definitely a top spot to visit for anyone who is in the SLC area.

Rich in history even if you are not a member of the LDS religion. Over the top friendly staff, best kept grounds in the valley and the Christmas light display is well worth checking out. Plenty of places to eat within walking distance.
It used to be fun to have a carriage ride, see the lights and have a dinner but no more horses. I just hope the horses got a big settlement for all the time and labor they had put in prior to being laid off. I sometimes wonder what happened to all the unemployed horses. I bet they get unenhorsement. Hope so anyway!

This area is breathtaking and one of the most meticulously maintained properties I’ve ever seen. It’s easy to find because it’s in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City and there is plenty of signage downtown to lead you here.
There are several beautiful buildings to view including a Visitor’s Center. The Visitor’s Center has guides inside to greet you and answer questions. There is also an area you can walk through with history and information for those that are interested. Each building is surrounded by tons of beautiful flowers and green lawns. This would be a beautiful place to take photos. The buildings are interesting to view even from just the outside because the architecture is quite impressive.

Great place to visit if you are in Salt Lake City. Beautiful gardens during the summer and wonderful Christmas lights during the winter. It has two visitor centers (North end and South end), Assembly Hall, Salt Lake Tabernacle (home of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), and of course the Salt Lake Temple. Several guides and sister missionaries to help you out if you have any questions. Plus, free guided tours upon request (at the front desk at either visitor center). If you want, there are lots of other places nearby that are affiliated with the LDS Church that the sister missionaries will gladly point you towards. These locations also have free tours.
Why not 5 stars? Prepare to be proselytized to non-​stop. Even Jana Reiss, a religious scholar and practicing Mormon, has commented on how embarrassed she was taking her non-​member friends through the historic sites. What was thought to be a historic tour dealt less with history and more with why the Church is true. Other than that, the Mormons are very hospitable to outsiders and will treat you with the utmost respect.

The sisters that were there provided us with a ton of information on their life and religion. There was easily a thousand people walking in there with us to. Very crowded.
The Christmas lights and buildings are amazing. Great job. However, you can’t help but think you are being watched the entire time once you are in the walls. Very friendly and a must do in the city

Interesting way to spend a few hours, even for an atheist like me.
In the snow, everything is beautiful and the faint sound of Christmas music piped in added to the overall experience.
The architecture is magnificent. For a closer look at what the inside looks like and background on the construction, pop into the south visitors center. The cutout and corresponding exhibits are fascinating.
If you happen to miss the noon organ recital in the Tabernacle like we did, you should still take a look around inside. I mean, 11,600+ pipes for that organ. That’s a heck of a lot of pipes.
It’s kind of fun talking to the missionaries who greet you in each building. They’re from around the world and really seem to like engaging in conversation with visitors.

My review might be a little bias because we came here for the first time on the best night of the year, when then turned on the Christmas Lights! They’re so well done & look amazing! The best view is from the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
During the afternoon we also walked around the square with some family of mine & learnt about the history of the place & the building. And how their religion fits into it. The area was great, paved well, clean & maintained.

I absolutely love Temple Square! I think it is one of the greatest places on earth. There is a spirit and vibe that is so uplifting. I have been here too many times to count, but I always want to come back. There are so many things to do and see. Anyone in Salt Lake has to come check out Temple Square.
So I mean lets get real the temple is insanely pretty. Only members of the LDS with recommends are allowed inside, but there are visitor centers where you can see what the inside looks like and learn more about what is done inside.
There are multiple visitor centers with a variety of films, beautiful paintings, wonderful things to read and learn, and a beautiful sculpture of Jesus Christ!
There are Sister Missionaries all around the Temple Square waiting to give free tours and answer any questions that people may have
There is an old tabernacle that is absolutely beautiful. There are performaces by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir every Sunday Morning in the tabernacle, and they are free! And just so great. GO!
All around, this is a wonderful place to learn about history, increase understanding of the LDS church, learn about your own family history, and feel uplifted!
And during Christmas there are the most incredible lights and naivety scenes ever!
Don’t miss this if you are in Salt Lake!

Worth a visit, but as with the LDS museum, you will be greeted by young women who don’t have much to say. You will be welcomed in a welcome-but-you’re-not-staying-for-dinner way. My questions tended to be answered with pamphlets or generalities. I can only assume specific answers are given to church members, then again maybe as a woman I am expecting too much by wanting answers when the role of women in the LDS church is one of subservience.
And this place is CLEAN like Disneyland is clean. There are many gardeners and I’ve attached a pic of the guy powerwashing the sidewalks-​when he’s done, you can eat off of it! Hello, people-​drought! Like Disneyland, you don’t see the inside, the behind-​the-​scenes. You only get smiling Sleeping Beauty and the beautifully maintained façade.

I’d recommend hitting up the grounds to anyone. It’s a beautiful place. We ended up doing a tour. Being a married gay couple, one a non practicing catholic and the other being atheistic possibly Buddhist agnostic?, I felt really uncomfortable at first to be honest.
The tour guide missionaries were pretty helpful at explaining everything about the church and their beliefs. I was mainly interested in just hearing about the history and how it all came about in SLC. They explained it all, and did great at doing so. I deducted a few stars for the end of it though. Asking for my information — name, address, phone number, email, first born, and a pint of blood — left a sour feeling. I told them repeatedly that I would look at it for myself and will make my own interpretation personally. I don’t like sales people, and it felt like a used car lot salesman was pestering me.
Though I felt slightly badgered, I will say I appreciated the views the grounds offered and the info provided as far as how the church started and how SLC came about. My main advice, don’t go to the south visitor center at the end if you take the tour. That’s where they make their sales pitch to save your soul.

Considered by many to be the ‘American Vatican,’ LDS Temple Square is a sprawling complex of fountains, sculptures and lush gardens, with the fabulous but inaccessible LDS Temple in the center. While this is clearly the destination of a lifetime for Mormons, I was honestly underwhelmed. The two Visitors Centers feel like the the fellowship halls of a megachurch, with images of Jesus, the disciples, and other bible characters on every wall. The historic Assembly Hall and dome-​shaped Tabernacle are mildly interesting, but unless you happen to get there when the famous Tabernacle Choir is rehearsing, you’ll be in and out of each building in about five minutes.
It all makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll, but unless you’re a member of the LDS church, I’m not sure it’s worth a special trip.

Epitome of all things Utah. Temple Square is a must for anyone in Salt Lake City! The temple grounds are always beautiful and the landscaping is always perfectly matched with the season. I love the beautiful flowers in the spring as well as the superior lights during Christmas.
Definitely go into all the places in Temple Square that you can! Music and the Spoken Word on Sundays inside the tabernacle is a great experience!

LDS Temple Square is the largest attraction in Salt Lake City, and can be accessed by both Mormon and non-​Mormons alike. The square itself has the Temple, a Tabernacle and several other buildings of religious faith that are built within a large enclosed area.
I found a parking area across the street on the main road in downtown. It is highly advisable to access the visitor’s center for information of Temple Square, as well as the hours of operation (9am-​9PM usually). From the visitors center, you will take a tour, usually with two Mormon missionaries, or opt for a self-​guided one. The tour with the missionaries is worth taking, and highly educational. You’ll also see an interior rendering of the Temple, which is located inside of a glass case within the visitor’s center. The Temple is forbidden to non-​Mormons, while also having limited access in certain areas for confirmed Mormons. The Tabernacle (the round structure) is usually open. I was more drawn to the architecture of the Temple, which is worth seeing from all sides.
As expected, the Mormon missionaries will ask to stay in contact with you, as well as see if you are interested in becoming a member. There is no pressuring, nor gimmicks present through asking, which was appreciated. You’ll receive point of contact information from the missionaries, as well as a Book of Mormon, upon request.
Altogether, a very enlightening experience in learning more about the Mormon religion & culture, as well as influence upon the world.

Okay we were interested in checking this area out for the tourist interest and historical interest since Mormon culture and history is so much a part of this city. The grounds are beautiful, but BEWARE this is a church and and religion that runs on aggressive recruiting. If you are coming for a low key look or to learn some history or facts– tour around on your own!!! Do NOT get a tour guide!!! All the tour guides are completing their missionary service and their sole goal is to convert you in 45 min or less. It was so uncomfortable– as we don’t agree with their particular faith. We cut it short and still got shoved with church documents.
My advice– visit, but avoid a tour. Just look around on your own– you are allowed access into everything except the temple. You can even hear the choir practice in the Tabernacle and see where they broadcast the Handel’s Messiah performance.

Our recent holiday visit was not our first, as we had toured Temple Square several years ago on a previous trip to SLC. We could not resist going again, though, to see the Christmas lights. A second visit really tarnished the novelty of the experience for us, and I was left feeling that maybe we should not have come back again, even though the lights were lovely.
As many other reviewers have noted, although those not of the Mormon faith are welcome here, the overall vibe is that of a huge marketing ploy. Non-​Mormons are not allowed to view the interior of the temple, so they are left to explore the Visitors’ Centers, which are interesting the first time and creepy the second time. We found ourselves anxious to take some photos of the lights and skedaddle because we were finding the oppressive, fortress-​like nature of the compound unnerving and not terribly festive.
That said, if you’ve never been, it’s worth a visit – once – especially at Christmas, when there are many free performances around the complex and beautiful lights. There are, however, equally impressive lights at Hogle Zoo.

I’m not Mormon…100% Atheist in fact… but I found Temple Square beautiful and fascinating.
–The central temple is an architectural masterpiece, comparable to the stuff you see in Europe.
–The conference center’s artificial waterfall looks straight of Star Wars or a Star Trek episode.
–Lovely reflecting pool with Jesus and Mary (I think) floating in the middle of it.
–Speaking of sci fi and space, you can see a statue of Jesus in Space here! Space Jesus is here too!
–Christmas lighting and decorations made it just that more fabulous.
Definitely worth a look if you’re in the area.

The Salt Lake City LDS Temple is a wonderful place to go and feel peace. Whether you are Mormon or not, Temple Square is a place where everyone can go and learn about the LDS culture. My family especially loves to go every winter, when the Christmas lights are strung around every branch on almost every tree! There is a narrated nativity that occurs every few minutes that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Visitor’s Center is open year round as well, telling the story of the LDS people and their journey to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.
TIPS & TRICKS:
* During the winter, be sure to see the lights before they turn off PROMPTLY at 10:30 P.M.
* Check out the infinity/​reflection pool on the east side of the temple – it’s a great place for photos.
* On the west side of the temple, across the street, is a Church History Museum. It’s free to the public and holds lots of pieces of history.
* The City Creek outdoor mall is within walking distance as well, and it is just south of the Salt Lake Temple.

Je me laisse rarement toucher par tout ce qui est en rapport avec la religion. Sauf qu’en ce lieu, on né peut que succomber par la beauté des lieux, leur calme et leur sérénité, les couleurs et l’ambiance qu’il y règne.
On peut alterner balade entre lieux de cultes et parc, superbement bien entretenus. On né se croirait plus en pleine ville, mais en campagne, et je pense que pour les habitants et pratiquement, ça doit être vraiment agréable.
Je né connaissais pas Les Mormons, ce lieu m’a permis d’en savoir plus sur les fondements de cette religion, leurs principes, et leur rayonnement à travers le monde. Pour mon enrichissement personnel, c’était vraiment intéressant.
Les passionnés d’histoire et de culture devraient être ravis de visiter cet espace

Zwischen dem North, West, South und der Mainstreet liegt der Temple Square mit dem berühmtesten Bauwerk der Mormonen und hier ist gleichzeig deren heiligster Platz, der Tempel des Engels Moroni. Dieser steht auch als eine goldene Figur auf einem der Türme des Tempels. Angebaut an den Tempel ist das Tabernakel, eine Versammlungshalle und mehrer Denkmäler. In den beiden Besucherzentren wird umfassend über die Lehre der Mormonen und die Geschichte ihrer Bewegung aufgeklärt. Wir hatten dort eine hervorragende Führung und klasse Vorträge von 2 jungen Mädchen, denen man anmerken konnte, dass sie für ihre Religion einstanden. Zum Abschluß erhielten wir, natürlich in Deutsch, das Buch Mormon.
Umgeben ist die ganze Anlage von wunderschön gepflegten Gartenanlagen. Wer Salt Lake-​City besucht, sollte hier schauen