The Salt Lake Temple at Temple Square has been closed for renovation since December 2019 and is scheduled to reopen in 2027.
As the temple construction enters its final stages, George Bonnet, general manager of the Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square renovation project, spoke to the Brigham Young University campus on Jan. 29 to share updates on the progress and purpose of the renovation.
Together, the exhibit and Bonnet’s presentation provided an in-depth look at the ongoing work. The exhibit offered visitors a hands-on look at the renovation. People could test building models in simulated earthquakes, touch original stones and nails from the temple, and view the original trumpet once held by the Angel Moroni statue.
Bonnet explained both the practical reasons and the spiritual mission for the temple renovations.
“We are inspired by a sense of the sacred. In the strength of the Lord, we will renew the Salt Lake Temple as an offering unto the Lord, worthy of his expectation,” Bonnet said.
The renovation includes extensive seismic upgrades, structural strengthening and interior renovations. Bonnet shared insights into the process of modernizing the historic building while remaining faithful to its original design.
“We have done everything we know how to go back to the original design from the days of the pioneers,” Bonnet said.
During the presentation, Bonnet shared pictures documenting the temple’s progress, along with mockups of the completed design. He highlighted new features that will be added to the temple and the visitors center, including an undedicated display baptismal font, instruction room and ceiling room that will be open to the public but not used.
“This will help demystify what some people say about our temples,” Bonnet said.
Students who attended the lecture said they appreciated the insight into the complexity of the renovation.
Anna Kreipl, a BYU student, said she was impressed by the level of planning and creativity that went into the project.
“So much thought went into all the different things that they had to do to make it structurally sound. It’s just fascinating to see how much brain power and creativity it took,” Kreipl said.
Morgan Baird, another BYU student, said the lecture increased her excitement for the temple’s reopening.
“I’ve never gone inside the Salt Lake Temple, but I’m excited to go inside and see how much they’re expanding and how big it is,” Baird said.
Bonnet said the construction phase of the renovation is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with all remaining work finished in time for the public open house schedules for April through October 2027.