SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake Temple, a beloved landmark of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is approaching a significant milestone in its renovation journey. The scaffolding that has encased the temple for several years is gradually being removed, marking the transition from exterior construction to more detailed work inside the historic building.
Construction crews began dismantling parts of the scaffolding last week. While some scaffolding remains, particularly on the southern end of the temple, church officials expect the last of it to come down by mid-March. This visual shift will signify a major turning point in the renovation, as the focus moves from heavy construction to the finishing touches on the interior.
The Salt Lake Temple, which originally opened in 1893, has been closed to the public since late 2019 for a comprehensive renovation project. The church had originally planned for a four-year renovation, but the timeline was extended due to challenges such as the 2020 earthquake, which prompted further seismic retrofitting and other necessary improvements.
The extended project has also included a complete transformation of Temple Square’s plazas and renovations to surrounding buildings, many of which have already been completed.
With the exterior work winding down, the temple’s full renovation is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. This will set the stage for a highly anticipated open house scheduled for next year, which church officials expect will attract at least 3 million visitors. Preparations for this event are already underway, with Salt Lake City officials and the church coordinating plans to accommodate the large crowds.
In addition to the renovation work, another notable development at Temple Square is the installation of a new statue, Restoration of the Sealing Keys. Unveiled near the Salt Lake Tabernacle, the statue depicts the biblical prophet Elijah restoring sealing keys to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, an important moment in Latter-day Saint history.
The sculpture was crafted by Utah artist Ben Hammond, who used photographs and other historical documents to accurately represent this sacred event. The statue symbolizes the beginning of the church’s practice of binding families together through sacred ordinances.
The completion of the Salt Lake Temple renovation represents a major accomplishment in preserving this historical and spiritual site. As the project nears its conclusion, the church is preparing to welcome millions of visitors to experience the temple and the revitalized Temple Square.
