Temple Square Renovation Update: April 2025

Two new statues have recently been added and are now part of the Temple Square experience.

“Joseph Smith Receives the Plates,” created by Leroy Transfield, stands near the Priesthood restoration monuments and the Seagull monument in the southwest corner. It depicts the moment when Joseph Smith received the gold plates from the Angel Moroni on September 22, 1827 — an event foundational to the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

An event celebrating the placement of the “Five Wise Virgins” statue, located west of the Relief Society Building, was held on April 2, 2025. 

Since September 2024, seven statues — four new and three refurbished — have been placed on the grounds at Church Headquarters, with more expected in the coming months. 

Salt Lake Temple Renovation 

Inside the historic Salt Lake Temple, teams of artisans are working meticulously to restore the beauty of the sacred structure. From hand-painted ceilings to carefully gilded moldings, materials and techniques are being used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the interior while also respecting the temple’s original design. 

Crews are also restoring and replicating the ornate wood ing, beams and stenciling for which the temple is known. This includes reapplying gold leaf, adding detailed stencil designs and repairing wood elements that have aged over the years. 

Things to Do 

Visitors to Temple Square can enjoy seeing greenery and thousands of flowers on display as warmer Spring weather makes its way to Salt Lake City. Exhibits, daily organ recitals and live events are also offered on Temple Square for guests. 

The International Art Competition has also returned to the Church History Museum. It features 150 pieces by global Latter-day Saint artists and explores faith across various cultures. The exhibition is free to the public and will remain open through January 2026.

Latter-day Saints consider temples the house of the Lord and the most sacred places of worship on earth. Temples differ from the Church’s meetinghouses (chapels). All are welcome to attend Sunday worship services and other weekday activities at local meetinghouses. The primary purpose of temples is for faithful of the Church of Jesus Christ to participate in sacred ceremonies, such as marriages, which unite families forever, and proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to be baptized while living.