Complete LDS List Of Temples: 2026 Global Directory, Status Updates, And Historical Milestones

Disambiguation Note: This comprehensive guide and directory details the sacred temples owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the LDS Church). It does not contain information regarding historical sites or meetinghouses of other denominations.

The global footprint of Latter-day Saint temples has reached an unprecedented scale in 2026. With hundreds of temples operating, under construction, or actively announced across nearly every continent, the Church’s temple-building program continues to move forward at an accelerated pace. Unlike standard meetinghouses where weekly Sunday worship services occur, temples are considered sacred spaces dedicated to higher spiritual ordinances, covenant making, and eternal family marriages.

Understanding the status, geographic distribution, and history of these holy structures requires a detailed look at the modern temple pipeline. Whether you are a member planning a visit, a researcher tracking global growth patterns, or a local community member preparing for a public open house, this updated 2026 directory offers a thorough, technically accurate overview of the worldwide temple network.

The Dynamic Expansion of Latter-day Saint Temples in 2026

The contemporary era of temple construction is characterized by decentralization and increased accessibility. For over a century, members of the Church often traveled thousands of miles—sometimes sacrificing entire life savings—to access a dedicated temple. Today, the strategic placement of temples brings these sacred ordinances within driving distance of the vast majority of the global membership.

This expansion relies on advanced architectural planning and localized design motifs. Each temple is engineered to withstand local seismic hazards, weather extremes, and soil conditions while incorporating local culture into the interior design, carpet patterns, paint schemes, and stained-glass artistry.

Furthermore, the construction pipeline utilizes standardized engineering models that allow the Church to rapidly deploy smaller, highly efficient temples in remote areas while simultaneously constructing larger, monumental edifices in major metropolitan centers.

Temple Status Classifications

To accurately track the global list of temples, the Church categorizes each project into one of four distinct developmental phases. Every temple moves systematically through these phases, which are accompanied by official announcements from the First Presidency.

• Announced: The temple location is officially announced by the President of the Church, typically during a semi-annual General Conference. Feasibility studies, site selection, and initial rendering designs begin during this phase.
• Under Construction: Following the official groundbreaking ceremony, construction crews begin excavation, structural framing, and interior finishes. This phase typically lasts between two to four years, depending on the temple's size and complexity.
• Operating: Once construction is complete, the temple is dedicated by a member of the First Presidency or Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It then opens for scheduled covenant ordinances for qualified members holding a valid temple recommend.
• Under Renovation: Historic temples or older structures occasionally close for extensive seismic upgrades, mechanical modernizations, and cosmetic restorations to ensure they remain functional for decades to come.

2026 Global Directory of Key Latter-day Saint Temples

The following comprehensive table highlights key temples across the globe, reflecting their operational status, geographical location, and historical or scheduled milestones for the year 2026.

Major Temple Milestones and Renovations in 2026

The year 2026 stands as a monumental period for historical preservation, highlighted by the highly anticipated progress and structural phases of the historic Salt Lake Temple restoration.

The Salt Lake Temple Seismic Upgrade

Since its closure in early 2020, the iconic Salt Lake Temple has undergone a comprehensive structural overhaul. Engineers excavated around the massive granite foundations to install state-of-the-art seismic base isolators. These isolators decouple the historic stone masonry from ground movements, allowing the building to survive high-magnitude earthquakes without catastrophic structural failure. In 2026, the final phases of stone conservation, interior historical restoration, and landscaping integration highlight the transition of this pioneer landmark back toward active operation.

Modernization of Mid-Century Temples

Beyond Salt Lake City, several mid-century temples dedicated in the 1970s and 1980s are undergoing extensive renovations. These updates focus on replacing obsolete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems with high-efficiency, sustainable alternatives. Additionally, renovations often modify floor plans to improve accessibility for elderly or disabled patrons, ensuring compliance with modern international building codes.

Structural Comparison: Historic Monumental vs. Modern Localized Designs

As temple construction has evolved, two primary structural philosophies have emerged. Both serve the exact same spiritual purpose but differ significantly in architectural footprint and construction logistics.

Historic Monumental Architecture Historic temples built between 1840 and 1990 typically feature massive multi-story floor plans, towering spires, assembly halls, and heavy masonry or granite exteriors. These buildings were constructed over decades, often serving as the singular geographic center of a vast temple district.

Modern Localized Architecture Modern temples built from 2000 onward favor a smaller, highly efficient footprint. They leverage reinforced concrete, prefabricated stone cladding, and modular interior construction. This approach allows the Church to build temples quickly in closer proximity to localized congregations, minimizing travel requirements for patrons.

Practical Guide for Temple Visitors: Requirements and Protocols

Latter-day Saint temples are divided into public and sacred areas, which dictates who can access various parts of the temple grounds and buildings.

Visiting During a Public Open House

Before a newly constructed or deeply renovated temple is dedicated, the Church hosts a public open house. During this period, which typically lasts several weeks:

1. Open to All: Anyone from the general public, regardless of religious affiliation, age, or background, is welcome to tour the interior of the temple.
2. No Fees or Reservations: Admission is entirely free, though online reservations are highly recommended to manage crowd flow and minimize waiting times.
3. Respectful Conduct: Visitors are asked to wear modest, clean clothing. To protect the custom carpets and stone floors inside, visitors are provided with protective shoe covers at the entrance.

Visiting the Grounds and Visitors' Centers

Once a temple is dedicated, the interior is reserved exclusively for patrons holding active temple recommends. However, the surrounding temple grounds remain open to the public:

• Manicured Gardens: The landscaping, water features, and walking paths are open daily for quiet reflection, prayer, and photography.
• Visitors' Centers: Many larger temples feature adjacent visitors' centers staffed by guides who offer free historical tours, interactive media exhibits, and explanations of temple ordinances.

Entering the Dedicated Temple (For Members)

For active members of the Church looking to perform ordinances, specific protocols must be followed:

• Temple Recommend Check: Patrons must present a valid, digitally barcoded temple recommend (either a standard recommend for adults or a limited-use recommend for youth) at the recommend desk.
• Online Reservations: In 2026, patrons are encouraged to schedule their ordinance sessions in advance using the digital tools on the Church’s official portal to ensure adequate seating and staffing.
• Temple Clothing: Members change from their standard Sunday attire into clean, white clothing inside the locker facilities to symbolize purity, equality, and reverence.

Frequently Asked Questions About LDS Temples

How many operating temples are there worldwide in 2026?

In 2026, the number of operating temples globally has surpassed 200, with over 150 additional temples actively in the construction or planning phases. This rapid growth is the result of a deliberate, decades-long initiative to place temples closer to member populations worldwide, reducing travel times and financial barriers for global congregations.

What is the difference between an LDS temple and an LDS meetinghouse?

LDS meetinghouses are local chapels open to the general public for weekly Sunday worship services, community activities, and youth programs, whereas temples are sacred spaces reserved for sacred ordinances. Meetinghouses require no special access credentials, whereas dedicated temples require members to meet specific standards of personal worthiness to enter and participate in ceremonies.

Can non-members go inside LDS temples?

Non-members can freely tour the inside of any temple during its public open house prior to dedication, but they cannot enter once the temple is officially dedicated. Following dedication, the interior is reserved exclusively for members of the Church who hold a valid temple recommend, though the beautifully landscaped outer grounds remain open to all.

Why do some temples close for long renovation periods?

Temples close for renovations to undergo critical seismic retrofitting, structural repairs, mechanical upgrades, and aesthetic updates to preserve them for future generations. Older temples, particularly those constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries, require periodic modernizations to meet safety codes, improve accessibility, and accommodate modern technology.

How are the locations for new temples selected?

The First Presidency selects temple locations based on local membership density, the distance members must travel to the nearest operating temple, and spiritual revelation. Local leadership coordinates with Church headquarters to evaluate municipal zoning laws, environmental factors, utility infrastructure, and land availability before making an official public announcement.

Planning Your Next Visit

Keeping up with the expanding global list of Latter-day Saint temples is a dynamic process. As new groundbreaks occur, open houses are scheduled, and dedications are announced, staying informed through official channels ensures you have the most accurate, up-to-date information. Whether you are preparing to walk through the doors of a newly completed temple during a public open house or planning your regular worship schedule, these sacred structures offer a unique refuge of peace and spiritual reflection in 2026.