Salt Lake City Tabernacle
4.8(4.2K)google
5.0(3)yelp
Historic BuildingMusicCity LandmarkPhoto Spot
Overview
Completed historically in 1867, this architectural marvel on Temple Square is world-famous for its acoustic engineering. Shaped like a massive metallic turtle shell, it serves as the home venue for the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir and a grand pipe organ.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM– 8:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Duration45-60 minutes
Best TimeThe definitive, untouchable hour for this 1867 architectural and acoustic marvel—famous for its turtle-shell timber dome built completely without internal pillars—is strictly Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM for the free public rehearsals, or Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM sharp to witness the live world-famous broadcast of 'Music & the Spoken Word' featuring the 360-member Tabernacle Choir. Entry is free.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned directly shared inside the west quadrant of the main Temple Square gated sanctuary grounds. Take the SEPTA-equivalent UTA TRAX Light Rail directly to Temple Square Station inside the city's Free Fare Zone, enter the gates, and walk 20 seconds left across the grass. Personal cars are banned inside the security gates; utilize the massive underground commercial paid garages at City Creek Center.
Travel Tips
- Incredible Dome Acoustic Sensitivity Standards: The historical tabernacle dome features phenomenal echo properties where whispering travels cross-hall. Do not snap camera shutters aggressively or talk out loud during localized pinning demos when a single pin dropped on stage is broadcast naturally.
- Free Walk-in Policy & Sudden Church Meeting Closures: Entry is free, but the live historic venue hosts unexpected ecclesiastical assemblies or private audio recording blocks. Check schedules at the neighboring visitor pavilion to avoid sudden locked-door disruptions.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Strict Gate Bag Screening Baggage Caps: Passing the threshold of the wooden dome brings baseline bag-inspection checkpoints. Oversized commuter packs, metal long-leg tripods, or large umbrellas are flatly disallowed past the seating aisle corridors.
Reviews
Positive
- This 19th-century historic structure features a unique dome shape; its pillarless acoustic design is stunning, letting you hear a pin drop, living up to its name.
- The grand pipe organ boasts thousands of pipes, offering a powerful spiritual and cultural experience when listening to rehearsals or choir music.
- The physical space is spotlessly clean and organized, with pristine restrooms and smooth accessible ramps, perfectly accommodating elderly and wheelchair users.
- It is completely free to the public with zero admission fees, and polite volunteer guides provide complimentary multilingual tours, scoring perfect value.
Heads up
- As an active house of worship, general tourist entry and photography are strictly restricted during major services, conferences, or official choir concerts.
- Located in Temple Square, ongoing long-term construction and maintenance in the area make finding free street parking extremely difficult for drivers.
- The venue has few historical description plaques, relying mostly on live English commentary from volunteers, reducing appeal if you don't follow a guide.
- The interior enforces strict order, banning loud noises and large backpacks, and houses no vending machines or dining, making its functions singular.