Visitors to Temple Square now have a unique opportunity to view a depiction of the interior of the Salt Lake Temple, thanks to a state-of-the art, interactive exhibit unveiled at the South Visitors’ Center on May 28, 2010.
A 1:32 scale replica of the temple is the centerpiece of the exhibit, along with interactive kiosks complete with touch screens, where visitors can learn more about the purpose of temples and view photographs of the temple’s interior. The south and east walls of the replica have been cut away to show detailed depictions of many areas in the temple, such as the baptistry and other ordinance rooms, along with rooms temple patrons usually do not enter, including the large assembly hall and the 4th floor council room where the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles assemble for weekly meetings.
Elder Richard G. Hinckley, executive director of the Missionary Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with Elder William R. Walker, executive director of the Church’s Temple Department introduced the new exhibit to the media prior to its being opened to the public.
The Salt Lake Temple provides the backdrop for the new exhibit, which sits in front of a large picture window in the South Visitors’ Center facing the temple. Designers included intricate details in the new exhibit, including paintings, furniture, working chandeliers and lamps that replicate those found in the actual temple. The model is 88 inches tall from temple base to the top of the spires. With the pedestal, the entire display is nearly 12 feet tall.
“There is an increased interest in temples,” Elder Hinckley said, noting that the new exhibit provides the next-best thing to an open house of the actual temple, which has been closed to the public since it was dedicated in 1893. He noted that more than 5 million people visit Temple Square each year and the exhibit will provide answers to questions people may have about the temple, as well as give members and non-members alike the desire to prepare themselves to enter the temple.
“Like all temples, once the building is dedicated, it is used for sacred Church purposes and not open to the general public, but this exhibit will provide the public with a glimpse of the interior and a feeling of the Spirit that is present there,” Elder Hinckley said.
According to Elder Hinckley, the Salt Lake Temple is the ‘icon of Mormonism worldwide’. He sees the new exhibit as a wonderful missionary tool and a way to pique visitors’ interest in and desire to enter the temple.
Elder Walker mentioned that those not of the LDS faith have no idea what it is like inside the temple. “Many people think our temples are like great halls or cathedrals. Actually, they have a number or rooms designed for certain functions such as marriages, baptisms and instructional sessions.” The new exhibit will let visitors have a look inside and see how beautiful the temple is, he said, adding that he hopes it will also give people an increased appreciation for temple worship and help dispel misperceptions about the temple.
It was about 18 months ago that Church’s First Presidency approved construction of the exhibit. Peter McCann Architectural Models of Toronto was commissioned to create the replica. Sixteen modelers worked on the project for five months.
“Some of the detail is so fine that we had to find people that were capable of doing it at that scale,” said Josh Coulas, project manager.
As visitors view the exhibit, kiosks show high-definition photos and view of the interior of the temple. A narrator gives an explanation of the purpose of the rooms and a diagram shows where they are located on the model. The presentation is very similar to what a person would experience during the public open house of the temple.
“This new display will give people another reason to visit Temple Square for the first time or for the hundredth time,” Elder Hinckley said. “Because of its history and significance, this temple is beloved by millions.
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Margaret H. Evans is a freelance writer, photographer, wife and mother of four. She lives with her family in Bountiful, Utah.
