Drawing five to seven million visitors a year, the 10-acre called complex of gardens, statuary, and historic buildings fashioned in the last half of the 19th century by Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers is Utah’s premier tourist attraction. The largest crowds come during the Christmas season, when hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights decorate the square for the holidays, illuminating trees, bushes, and buildings.

With the exception of the temple, all buildings on Temple Square are open to the public. More than 1,100 volunteer guides, hosts, and hostesses are on hand to take visitors around and explain the history of Temple Square and the origins of Mormonism.

The square’s two modern visitor centres house exhibits relating to the history, beliefs, and programs of the church.