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| Scaffolding begins to come down on the exterior of the Salt Lake Temple on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. |
SALT LAKE CITY — As the historic renovation of the Salt Lake Temple moves into its final year, a major visual milestone has been achieved. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, crews began the gradual removal of scaffolding from the temple’s exterior, signaling that the most intensive structural work is now complete.
The scaffolding, which has shrouded the temple’s iconic spires for several years, was essential for the installation of a state-of-the-art seismic base isolation system and the cleaning of the quartz monzonite stone walls.
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| Scaffolding begins to come down on the exterior of the Salt Lake Temple on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. |
A Transition to Interior Artistry
The removal process is expected to continue through mid-March 2026. As the metal framework comes down, it reveals the cleaned and reinforced exterior, marking a shift in the project’s focus from heavy construction to the intricate finishing of the interior.
Artisans are currently working to restore the temple’s 19th-century craftsmanship, including:
• Hand-painted ceilings and gilded moldings.
• Ornate wood paneling and stenciling.
• Sealing room enhancements, including the installation of chandeliers and the gilding of altars.
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| Utah artist Ben Hammond (second from left) attends the installation of the newest statue at Temple Square, the “Restoration of the Sealing Keys,” on Thursday, January 15, 2026. |
New Statue: "Restoration of the Sealing Keys"
Adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the grounds, a new bronze statue was installed on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Titled “Restoration of the Sealing Keys,” the piece is located northwest of the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
Created by Utah artist Ben Hammond, the statue depicts the Prophet Elijah restoring the keys of the sealing power to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple in 1836.
“Once they moved all the construction equipment out of the way... and we took the plastic off of it, I got a little emotional there,” Hammond said. “It was a good feeling.”
This installation is part of a series of new artworks placed across Temple Square—including the “First Vision” and “Come, Follow Me” statues—intended to guide visitors through the history and mission of Jesus Christ and His restored Church.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Public Celebration
The Church confirmed that the full renovation project remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2026. Following the conclusion of construction, the public will be invited to a historic six-month open house and celebration from April to October 2027.
This will be the first time in over 130 years that the general public will be invited to tour the interior of the Salt Lake Temple since its original dedication in 1893.
MORE PHOTOS:
The “Restoration of the Sealing Keys” statue is installed on the northwest quadrant of Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
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| The "Come, Follow Me statue" is placed in the northwest quadrant of Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 16, 2024. |
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| The new “Five Wise Virgins” statue is located near the Salt Lake Temple under renovation in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. |
The “Restoration of the Sealing Keys” statue is installed on the northwest quadrant of Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
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