Visitor Insights
Visiting Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center & Grounds
The Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center and its surrounding grounds are open to the public, offering a serene and educational experience for all. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours or request assistance from volunteers. Admission is free of charge.
Highlights
- Explore interactive exhibits and films in multiple languages.
- View an 11-foot marble Christus statue and a detailed temple model.
- Enjoy meticulously landscaped gardens and reflection ponds.
- Attend concerts and devotionals in the 540-seat auditorium.
Things to Know
- The temple interior is not open to the public except during open house periods.
- Parking is available on-site, but can be busy during special events.
Location
9900 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, Maryland 20895-3199, United States
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, year-round.
Getting There: Located in Kensington, Maryland, approximately 10 miles north of the United States Capitol, visible from the Capital Beltway.
Get DirectionsTips for Your Visit
Visit During Festival of Lights
The annual Festival of Lights during the Christmas season features millions of lights, nightly concerts, and a live nativity scene, making it a particularly popular time to visit.
Enjoy Summer Blossoms and Performances
The summer months offer beautiful blossoms on the grounds and various musical performances, providing a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.
About
The Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center and Grounds offer a welcoming and informative experience for individuals of all backgrounds. It provides insight into the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Located on the expansive temple grounds, the Visitors' Center serves as a public gateway to understanding the faith's rich heritage and the significance of temples within the broader Christian tradition.
The center emphasizes the central role of Jesus Christ in Latter-day Saint belief, a common thread throughout Christian traditions. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, films, and videos, and view a detailed model of the Washington D.C. Temple. The beautiful grounds are meticulously landscaped, offering a serene environment for reflection and enjoyment.
Gallery
Symbolic Elements
The temple's exterior features intricate carvings, each rich with spiritual meaning:
The Christus Statue
An 11-foot marble replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen's *Christus* statue, emphasizing Jesus Christ's central role as Savior and Redeemer in Latter-day Saint belief.
Stained Glass Display
A Christ-centered display featuring glass lilies symbolizing Heavenly Father's care and elements like the olive press and garden tomb door representing Christ's suffering and resurrection.
Temple Spire Colors
Faceted windows on the temple's east and west ends display a progression of colors from vibrant reds to clear white, symbolizing spiritual progression and aspiration towards heavenly matters.
Six Spires
The temple's distinctive six-spire design, inspired by the Salt Lake Temple, represents the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods, reflecting the Church's organized leadership structure.
Angel Moroni Statue
An 18-foot-tall, gold-leafed bronze statue of the angel Moroni atop the tallest spire, symbolizing the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its proclamation to the world.
Alabama White Marble
The temple's exterior is clad with 173,000 square feet of Alabama white marble, some sections cut thin to allow natural sunlight to softly glow through the walls.
Reflection Pond
A dark granite water feature near the Visitors' Center creates a clear reflective surface, offering unique photographic views of the temple and enhancing the serene grounds.
Interesting Facts
The Washington D.C. Temple was the first Latter-day Saint temple constructed on the East Coast of the United States since the original Nauvoo Temple in 1846 (Tier B).
Standing at 288 feet, the temple is the tallest of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints globally and is the third-largest by floor area (Tier A).
The Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 (Tier A).
The temple's exterior is covered with Alabama white marble, cut to 5/8 inch in some places, allowing natural sunlight to softly filter through (Tier A).
The temple's distinctive six-spire design draws inspiration from the iconic Salt Lake Temple (Tier A).
Since 1978, the temple grounds have hosted the annual Festival of Lights during the Christmas season, featuring millions of lights and nightly concerts (Tier A).
During its initial public open house in 1974, over 750,000 people visited the temple, including First Lady Betty Ford (Tier A).
The site for the temple was chosen in 1962, six years before its official announcement (Tier A).
Inside the Visitors' Center, a detailed cut-away model of the temple provides a unique visual understanding of the sacred building's interior layout (Tier A).
The 11-foot marble Christus statue in the Visitors' Center helps visitors understand that Latter-day Saints are Christians (Tier A).
Common Questions
What is the purpose of the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center?
The Visitors' Center provides a public gateway to understand the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the significance of temples.
Is the temple itself open to the public?
The temple interior is generally reserved for members of the Church, but public open houses are held before dedications or rededications.
What can I see at the Visitors' Center?
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, films, a detailed temple model, and an 11-foot marble Christus statue.
Are there any special events at the Visitors' Center?
Yes, the annual Festival of Lights during Christmas and various concerts and devotionals are hosted throughout the year.
Is there an admission fee to the Visitors' Center or grounds?
No, admission to both the Visitors' Center and the temple grounds is free of charge.
Featured Stories
First Lady Betty Ford's Visit
1974
During the initial public open house in 1974, over 750,000 people visited the newly completed temple. Among the notable visitors was First Lady Betty Ford, whose presence highlighted the temple's significance as a landmark and a place of public interest. Her visit underscored the widespread curiosity and respect for the sacred edifice.
Source: dctemplevisitorscenter.org
The Enduring Festival of Lights
Since 1978
The annual Festival of Lights began in 1978, transforming the temple grounds into a dazzling display each Christmas season. This cherished tradition features millions of lights, nightly concerts, and a live nativity scene, drawing visitors from diverse backgrounds. It has become a beloved community event, fostering a spirit of peace and celebration.
Source: dctemplevisitorscenter.org
A Monumental Renovation and Rededication
2018-2022
The temple closed in 2018 for an extensive renovation, including significant mechanical upgrades and refreshed interiors, culminating in its rededication by President Russell M. Nelson in 2022. This multi-year project ensured the temple's longevity and continued sacred purpose, followed by a second successful public open house.
Source: thechurchnews.com
Timeline
Site Selected
The expansive 52-acre site for the Washington D.C. Temple was selected.
MilestoneTemple Announced
Plans for the Washington D.C. Temple were officially announced by President David O. McKay.
component.timeline.announcementGroundbreaking Ceremony
Groundbreaking and site dedication ceremonies were held, presided over by Hugh B. Brown.
component.timeline.groundbreakingPublic Open House Begins
A public open house for the temple welcomed over 750,000 visitors, including First Lady Betty Ford.
EventTemple Dedicated
The Washington D.C. Temple was dedicated in 10 sessions by President Spencer W. Kimball.
DedicationVisitors' Center Dedicated
The Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center was dedicated and opened to the public.
DedicationFestival of Lights Commences
The annual Festival of Lights began at the Visitors' Center, becoming a cherished holiday tradition.
EventInterfaith Outreach
Church leaders began inviting foreign ambassadors to co-host the annual Festival of Lights, fostering interfaith relations.
EventTemple Name Change
The temple's name was officially changed to 'Washington D.C. Temple' to align with new uniform naming guidelines.
MilestoneSpires Renovation
A renovation project was undertaken to update the temple's spires.
RenovationTemple Closes for Renovation
The temple closed for an extensive renovation, including mechanical system upgrades and refreshed finishes.
RenovationSecond Public Open House
A second public open house was held, allowing over 250,000 visitors to tour the renovated temple.
EventTemple Rededicated
The temple was rededicated by President Russell M. Nelson after its extensive renovation.
DedicationHistory by Decade
1960s — Site Selection and Announcement
The journey of the Washington D.C. Temple began in 1962 with the selection of its serene 52-acre wooded site. By November 15, 1968, plans for the temple were officially announced by President David O. McKay, bringing excitement to Latter-day Saints in the region. The groundbreaking and site dedication ceremonies followed swiftly on December 7, 1968, presided over by Hugh B. Brown.
1970s — Construction, Dedication, and Visitors' Center Opening
Construction progressed, leading to a highly anticipated public open house from September 17 to November 2, 1974, which welcomed over 750,000 visitors, including First Lady Betty Ford. The temple was then dedicated in 10 sessions by President Spencer W. Kimball from November 19-22, 1974. Two years later, in 1976, the Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center was dedicated and opened to the public, followed by the commencement of the annual Festival of Lights in 1978.
1980s–1990s — Community Engagement and Naming Conventions
The 1980s saw an expansion of community engagement, with Church leaders beginning to invite foreign ambassadors to co-host the annual Festival of Lights in 1989, fostering interfaith relations. In 1999, the temple's name was officially changed from "Washington Temple" to "Washington D.C. Temple" to align with new uniform naming guidelines for Church temples.
2010s — Renovation and Preparation
A renovation project was undertaken in 2012 to update the temple's spires, ensuring its continued beauty and structural integrity. On March 3, 2018, the temple closed for an extensive renovation, which included significant upgrades to its mechanical systems, refreshed finishes and furnishings, and landscaping improvements, preparing it for future generations.
2020s — Completion, Open House, and Rededication
Renovation work was completed in 2020, though the planned public open house was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A second public open house was successfully held from April 28 to June 11, 2022, allowing over 250,000 visitors to tour the renovated temple. The temple was then rededicated by President Russell M. Nelson on August 14, 2022, marking a new chapter in its sacred history.
Architecture & Facilities
The Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center and the adjacent temple blend elements of mid-century modern architecture with traditional Latter-day Saint temple design, creating a distinctive and reverent aesthetic. The temple's design, inspired by the iconic Salt Lake Temple, features a striking six-spire configuration that evokes both strength and spiritual aspiration. Its exterior is characterized by clean lines and a monumental scale, reflecting its purpose as a house of the Lord.
Building Materials
Exterior Cladding (Temple)
The temple's exterior is clad with 173,000 square feet of Alabama white marble, some sections cut to a thin 5/8 inch, allowing natural sunlight to softly glow through the walls.
Visitors' Center Exterior
The Visitors' Center features dark granite water features and large glass panels that reflect the temple and surrounding grounds.
Interior Finishes (Visitors' Center)
The Visitors' Center utilizes modern, durable materials for its interactive exhibits, auditorium, and display areas, designed for high public traffic.
Landscaping Materials
The grounds incorporate various natural elements, including flower gardens, specimen trees, reflection ponds, and paved pathways, creating a serene and inviting environment.
Interior Features
Exhibition Halls (Visitors' Center)
These halls house interactive displays, films, and videos available in multiple languages, providing insights into Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices.
Christus Rotunda (Visitors' Center)
A prominent rotunda features an 11-foot marble replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christus statue, emphasizing the centrality of Jesus Christ.
Auditorium (Visitors' Center)
A 540-seat auditorium hosts various concerts, devotionals, and performances throughout the year, serving as a cultural and spiritual gathering space.
Temple Model Display (Visitors' Center)
A detailed cut-away model of the Washington D.C. Temple allows visitors to visualize the interior layout and understand the purpose of various sacred rooms.
Temple Grounds
The serene 52-acre wooded site is meticulously landscaped with beautiful flower gardens, specimen trees, and a reflection pond near the Visitors' Center, offering a peaceful environment for public enjoyment and contemplation.
Additional Facilities
The Visitors' Center includes a bookstore offering religious texts and gifts, as well as ample parking for visitors attending events or touring the grounds.
Religious Significance
The Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center and Grounds serve as a vital outreach, inviting individuals of all faiths to learn about the sacred purpose of Latter-day Saint temples and the core tenets of the Church, particularly its emphasis on Jesus Christ as the central figure of Christianity.
The primary purpose of the Visitors' Center is to educate the public about the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, clarify its Christian identity, and explain the significance of temples as houses of the Lord where sacred ordinances are performed.
Sacred Ordinances
Temple Ordinances (Explained)
While the Visitors' Center does not perform ordinances, it provides comprehensive explanations of sacred temple ordinances such as baptisms for the dead, endowments, and sealings, which are central to Latter-day Saint worship and eternal family covenants.
The Centrality of Jesus Christ
Exhibits throughout the Visitors' Center, including the prominent Christus statue and Christ-centered stained-glass displays, underscore the Latter-day Saint belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the foundation of their faith, aligning with core Christian doctrines.
Understanding Temple Worship
The Visitors' Center helps demystify temple worship by explaining the unique purpose of temples—to provide sacred spaces for covenants and ordinances that bind families together for eternity—distinguishing them from regular Sunday meetinghouses.
Community and Interfaith Relations
Through events like the Festival of Lights and invitations to foreign ambassadors, the Visitors' Center fosters community engagement and interfaith understanding, promoting goodwill and shared values among diverse populations in the nation's capital.
Sources & Research
Every fact on Temples.org is backed by verified Sources & Research. Each piece of information is rated by source tier and confidence level.
View All Sources (9)
| Field | Source | Tier | Retrieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| About & Historical Background | Washington D.C. Temple Visitors' Center (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| Historical Timeline & Temple Details | ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Architectural Description | Washington D.C. Temple (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| Symbolic Elements & Christian Identity | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (opens in a new tab) | A | 2024-07-30 |
| Temple Renovation & Open House | Church News (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Temple History & Features | Latter-day Saint Magazine (opens in a new tab) | C | 2024-07-30 |
| Temple Architecture & Materials | Okland Construction (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Temple Design & Inspiration | Photogent (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |
| Temple Open House Attendance | Broughmade (opens in a new tab) | B | 2024-07-30 |