Temple Square Renovation Update: June 2025

Salt Lake Temple Construction Progress 

Work continues to move forward on Temple Square this June, with advancements made on both the historic Salt Lake Temple and surrounding buildings. 

The seismic upgrade has reached a major milestone; all the temple's weight is now resting on new footings and its base isolators, bearing-like components that limit movement during an earthquake. The seismic upgrade project is now in its final stages, as post-tensioning cables are pulled to a half-million pounds of pressure from the top to the base of the temple and horizontally from wall to wall to reinforce the structure's strength. 

Downloadable B-roll & SOTs

The west baptismal font in the Salt Lake Temple is moving through its finish work stage as crews lay floor tiles around the font.

Restoration work on the northeast tower also continues, with the reinstallation of stones in their original locations, some of which are being done by hand. Each stone is securely anchored by steel rods.

Joseph Smith Memorial Building Reopens 

Select areas of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building reopened to the public June 30, 2025, after a 2.5-year renovation. The building underwent improvements to its mechanical systems, including updates with energy-efficient components. Energy-efficient lighting controls were added in remodeled areas, seismic improvements were made to the roof tower, accessibility was improved and more elevators were installed.

Visitors can once again enjoy access to the lobby and mezzanine levels of the building. The chapel and other parts of the building remain under renovation.

The Garden Restaurant has also reopened today. Formerly known as the Nauvoo Cafe, the restaurant will feature familiar items including Lion House rolls, turkey pot pies and a selection of soups, salads and made-to-order sandwiches.

The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.