Welcome to the Provo City Center Temple! Located in the heart of Provo, UT, this beautiful temple stands as a Victorian masterpiece. It is the second tabernacle in Utah to be converted into a temple and the fourth Latter-day Saint temple converted from an existing building, offering visitors a unique experience that can only be found here.
The history of the Provo City Center Temple goes back to September 1849 when President Brigham Young and his counselors headed a small caravan from Fort Utah to find a location for a city. The center block was reserved for a chapel and schoolhouse at Pioneer Park on Center Street and 500 West. However, because of conflicts and a lack of materials, the meetinghouse project was abandoned and the center moved five blocks east to the current grounds of the temple.
Work on the new tabernacle began in 1883 under the direction of President John Taylor. By 1885 it was completed with seating for 1,500 people and featured a brick exterior, octagonal towers at all four corners, frosted-glass windows, and exquisite woodwork. The tabernacle hosted numerous events including concerts, commencements, funerals, interfaith gatherings, and patriotic events until it was devastated by a fire in 2010. Fortunately, much of the external shell of the tabernacle remained and plans were made to convert the tabernacle into the temple. In 2016, the stunning Provo City Center Temple opened its doors.
The temple is home to several fascinating features, including a charming pavilion with a full basement which serves as a waiting area for non-temple patrons, and a photograph-taking venue for wedding parties. There is also a magnificent 17-foot, four-tier bronze Victorian fountain with ornamental nozzles, a 5,290-square-foot two-story Victorian pavilion, and extensive landscaping around the temple featuring lush flower gardens, trees, and green space. Visitors will also be able to see the extraordinary giclee print of The Second Coming by Harry Anderson, depicting Jesus Christ coming through the clouds with heralding angels, which amazingly survived the fire unscathed.
Here are some of the top things to do or see while visiting the Provo City Center Temple:
• Take photographs of the grand architecture and breathtaking scenery
• See the majestic 17-foot, four-tiered bronze Victorian fountain
• Tour the two-story Victorian pavilion
• Explore the surrounding public gardens and benches open 24/7
• Visit nearby attractions such as the BYU Museum of Art and Monte