Temple Frequently Asked Questions

This sacred building was often called the “Mormon Temple.”  However, in 2018, the Prophet and President of the Church, Russell M. Nelson, offered correction to any inaccurate name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including improper reference to the “Mormon Church.”  Mormon was a great prophet, whom we honor, but the Church was named after our Savior Jesus Christ. The correct name of the Church is: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Thus, the proper name of the Temple is the “Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” 

The reference to “saints” in the name of the Church references the Apostle Paul’s use for people who try to follow Jesus Christ’s teachings.

In-person tours of the interior of the Washington D.C. Temple officially ended on June 11, 2022, but there are still many ways to see the temple. You can take a 360 degree virtual tour of the interior here, take the virtual tour here, or view pictures of the temple interior here. You can also see come and see the temple exterior and grounds and enjoy an inspiring reproduction of the Christus statue, interactive exhibits, activities, and events that are family friendly and free of charge at the temple visitors’ center. The visitors’ center is open to the public, year-round from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M., seven days a week.

At Christmastime, the grounds are set aglow during the Festival of Lights, which offers nightly concerts, a life-size nativity scene, and international nativity displays.

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Yes! Click here for virtual tour of the Washington D.C. Temple led by Elder and Sister Stevenson and Elder and Sister Renlund.

The visitors’ center is now open to the public, seven days a week year-round from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. Come enjoy the temple exterior and grounds, see an inspiring reproduction of the Christus statue and enjoy interactive exhibits, activities, and events that are family-friendly and free of charge.

Every year, around Christmastime, the grounds are set aglow during the Festival of Lights, which offers nightly concerts, a life-size nativity scene, and international nativity displays.

Visit our About page to learn all about why temples are built and what happens inside. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been building temples since the 1830s. Latter-day Saint temples are considered houses of God, a place of holiness and peace separate from the preoccupations of the world. They provide a place where Church members make formal promises and commitments to God. They are also the place where the highest sacraments of the faith occur — the marriage of couples and the “sealing” of families for eternity.

Learn more on the About page.