Joseph Smith Memorial Building Tours

Formerly the lavish Hotel Utah, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building is now a social center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Named after the church’s founder, the Salt Lake City building acts as the welcome center for Temple Square and features the Legacy Theater, which regularly shows church-produced films.
The Basics
You can admire the Joseph Smith Memorial Building’s stunning architecture from the Temple Square gardens, but step inside the ornate multistory lobby to see the large statue of Joseph Smith and an impressive crystal chandelier. Don’t miss the views of the Salt Lake Temple from the building’s top floor.
You can visit Salt Lake City’s historical Temple Square on a guided or self-guided tour. Some bus tours of the city include a Tabernacle Choir or organ performance at Temple Square.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is ideal for those interested in the history and culture of the Mormon church.
- The building’s top floor is a great place to catch the sunset or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the holiday lights in December.
- There are three restaurants and several banquet halls on the premises.
- The building is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is located on the corner of Main Street and South Temple in downtown Salt Lake City, directly east of the Salt Lake Temple. You can easily reach Temple Square by car; paid parking is available at the square and across the street at City Creek Center. The green and blue TRAX light rail lines stop at Temple Square and are free to ride within the city center.
When to Get There
The building is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Saturday; films are shown in the Legacy Theatre from 10am to 7pm. The surrounding gardens are a delight to stroll through in spring and summer, and during the holiday season, Temple Square is aglow with more than a million twinkling lights.
Eating at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building
On the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, the Roof Restaurant offers a gourmet buffet dinner with fantastic views of the city, and the Garden Restaurant serves a more casual lunch and dinner menu. On the ground floor, the Nauvoo Café features soups, salads, and takeout sandwiches. Keep in mind that members of the Mormon Church abstain from drinking alcohol and coffee, so neither is available at the Temple Square restaurants.
Address: 15 E South Temple, Salt Lake City 84150, USA
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Joseph Smith Memorial Building
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Private Sightseeing Tour of Salt Lake City
With just one day to experience Salt Lake City, this private tour lets you explore at your own pace and benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide. Stroll around the landmarks and gardens of Temple Square, admire the historic buildings along Brigham Street, visit Capitol Hill and the Utah State Capital building, and enjoy views over Salt Lake City and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
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From
$259.99
per group
From
$259.99
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Private Tour: Best of Salt Lake City including the Great Salt Lake
Experience the best sightseeing of Salt Lake City in one day! Visit Great Salt Lake and the best attractions of historic Salt Lake City. Hear stories and see sights you won’t find on your own.
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From
$379.99
per group
From
$379.99
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Best of Salt Lake City Sightseeing Tour
Short on time? This tour is the perfect overview of Salt Lake City! Explore 170 years of history and sights on a fully-narrated tour guided by a local expert.
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From
$125.00
Price varies by group size
From
$125.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Best of Salt Lake City Including Great Salt Lake Sightseeing Tour
Experience the best of Salt Lake City during this sightseeing excursion that includes a performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Visit highlights such as Temple Square, Capitol Hill, the Mormon Battalion Monument, Union Pacific Station, and Historic Brigham Street and see the city’s most spectacular mansions and cathedrals. Since this is a small-group tour, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, too.
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From
$192.31
Price varies by group size
From
$192.31
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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