Church of Jesus Christ releases interior renderings of Salt Lake Temple renovations

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released new details about the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple, saying the building honors its pioneer past while providing a space for members in the future to worship.

The renovated temple will have two baptistries instead of one, and 22 sealing rooms, which are used for marriages, instead of 13. Instruction rooms will have added seating to accommodate more members at once.

The temple was closed at the end of 2019 for renovations to improve its ability to survive earthquakes, and to improve capacity and accessibility. The latest estimate was that it would open again in 2026.

In a 2019 press conference about plans for the temple, President Russell M. Nelson said the renovation “will emphasize and highlight the life, ministry and mission of Jesus Christ in his desire to bless every nation, kindred, tongue and people.”

Efforts to mirror the original Salt Lake Temple

Some of the renovations include removing aspects of the temple that were added in other renovations, including an extensive renovation in the 1960s when some historic elements were painted over or removed, and replacing those areas with designs matching the 1893 temple.

Bill Williams, the Church’s director of architecture, said the temple will feel “more consistent and more like the original Salt Lake Temple from beginning to end.”

He said it will look like the original temple as members enter the pavilion, which was not the case following other renovations.

Historic research has helped bring back designs in the original temple that will be incorporated throughout the paint, trim and carpeting.

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