Washington DC Temple Opening to Public For First Time Since 1974
You’ve probably seen this majestic building while riding on the Beltway, and wondered what it was or what goes on inside there.
For the first time since 1974, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Washington DC Temple in Kensington will open its doors to the public. An open house for the newly renovated building will be held Sept. 24 through Oct. 31 (except for Sept. 27, Oct. 3, 4, 11, 18 and 25). Information on ticketing will be announced this summer. Click here for more details.
The Washington D.C. Temple closed for an extensive renovation project in 2018. During the process, the temple’s mechanical and electrical systems were upgraded, and all finishes and furnishings have been refreshed. There has also been an addition to the exterior for stairs and a new elevator system.
Officials say this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will give people a glimpse inside the sacred landmark.
The re-dedication of the building will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2020.
Here are some facts about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Washington DC Temple:
• The groundbreaking for the Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints was held Dec. 7, 1968.
• When the first Open House was held from Sept. 17 to Oct. 19, 1974, more than 750,000
visitors toured the Temple. High profile visitors toured the Temple, including First Lady
Betty Ford, wife of President Gerald Ford.
• On the east side of the temple, the central spire reaches 288 feet high, making it the tallest
spire on a Latter-day Saint temple across the world.
• On top of the same spire, an 18-foot bronze statue of the Angel Moroni stands. It was the
third of the iconic statues to be placed on a temple.
• The Temple is finished with 173,000 square feet of Alabama white marble.
• The Temple is 160,000 square feet, sitting on a 57.4-acre plot, making it the third-largest
Latter-day Saint Temple in the world.
What is the reason the temple isnt open to public? It would be a great way to earn revenue and do outreach.