Comprehensive List Of LDS Temples: Global Operating Status And 2026 Milestones
This guide provides an updated, authoritative list of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) as of early 2026. For those seeking historical sites, please note this article focuses on modern, functioning temples and those currently in the construction pipeline, excluding historic non-operating sites like the Kirtland Temple unless specifically addressing their 2026 ownership status.
The landscape of temple construction has reached an unprecedented pace in 2026. With the completion of the historic Salt Lake Temple renovation and the rapid expansion across the African continent and Southeast Asia, the geographic footprint of these sacred structures is more diverse than at any point in history. This analysis categorizes temples by their operational status, regional density, and the technical specifications of recent 2026 completions.
The 2026 Global Temple Landscape: Statistical Overview
As we move through the second quarter of 2026, the total number of announced, under construction, and operating temples has surpassed 350. This growth represents a strategic shift toward localized accessibility, reducing travel burdens for members in developing nations.
Operational Status Categorization
Operating Temples These are dedicated facilities where sacred ordinances are performed daily. In 2026, this category includes several recently rededicated pioneer-era temples that underwent extensive seismic upgrades.
Under Construction These sites have had a formal groundbreaking ceremony. In 2026, a significant number of these are "modular-assisted" builds, which use advanced pre-fabrication techniques to reduce construction timelines to 18–24 months.
Announced Locations identified by the First Presidency where land acquisition or site planning is currently underway. In 2026, the focus for new announcements has shifted heavily toward high-density urban centers in the Global South.
Significant 2026 Temple Completions and Rededications
The year 2026 is a landmark year for LDS architecture, primarily due to the completion of multi-year renovation projects and the opening of strategic international hubs.
| Temple Name | Location | Status (2026) | Square Footage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake Temple | Salt Lake City, Utah | Rededicated | 253,000 |
| Nairobi Kenya Temple | Nairobi, Kenya | Operating | 38,000 |
| Singapore Temple | Singapore | Operating | 18,000 |
| Barcelona Spain Temple | Barcelona, Spain | Under Construction | 27,500 |
| Teton River Idaho Temple | Rexburg, Idaho | Operating | 130,000 |
| Maceió Brazil Temple | Maceió, Brazil | Operating | 19,000 |
| Budapest Hungary Temple | Budapest, Hungary | Under Construction | 18,000 |
The Salt Lake Temple Reopening
The most significant event of 2026 is the public open house and subsequent rededication of the Salt Lake Temple. After six years of seismic strengthening and interior restoration, the temple now features updated mechanical systems, enhanced accessibility, and restored hand-painted murals. The 2026 reopening has drawn millions of visitors to Temple Square, which has also undergone a total landscape redesign to better accommodate international tourists and local congregants.
LDS Temples of Europe - House of the Lord
Regional Directory: Temples by Continent
The following sections provide a high-level list of temples, focusing on those with major updates or operational shifts in 2026.
North America: Density and Restoration
Utah remains the highest density region, but 2026 has seen a shift toward "second-tier" metropolitan areas.
- Utah Core: The completion of the Lindon, Smithfield, and Heber Valley temples has alleviated the "temple-density" pressure on the Provo and Mount Timpanogos locations.
- Renovation Updates: In addition to Salt Lake, the Manti Utah Temple and the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple (formerly the Provo Temple) are fully operational after their respective 2025/2026 structural updates.
- Western United States: The Teton River Idaho Temple is now a primary hub for Eastern Idaho, while the Smithfield Utah Temple has become a centerpiece for Cache Valley.
Africa: The Era of Rapid Growth
Africa continues to be the fastest-growing region for temple construction in 2026. The Church has moved from large, regional temples to more localized structures to serve the millions of members across the continent.
- East Africa: The Nairobi Kenya Temple is now a fully operational anchor for members in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
- West Africa: With the Lagos Nigeria and Abidjan Ivory Coast temples seeing record-high attendance, 2026 has seen additional groundbreakings in smaller regional hubs across Nigeria and Ghana.
- South Africa: The Johannesburg and Durban temples are now joined by the Cape Town Temple, which recently completed its first year of full operation.
Latin America and South America
The 2026 list for South America highlights the "Area Temple Plan," where multiple temples are placed within a single metropolitan area to reduce commute times in traffic-heavy cities.
- Brazil Expansion: Brazil now has over 20 temples in various stages. The Salvador and Maceió temples are operating at high capacity, while the Rio de Janeiro temple remains a primary pilgrimage site for the region.
- Andean Region: The Cusco Peru Temple and the Santiago West Chile Temple have reached the final stages of interior finishing as of mid-2026.
Technical Specifications and Construction Standards in 2026
The 2026 temple builds utilize a "Sustainable Sanctity" framework. This involves technical standards that ensure these buildings last for a minimum of 100 years with minimal environmental impact.
2026 Engineering Standards
Seismic Resilience New temples in high-risk zones (such as the West Coast of the US and the Philippines) now utilize base isolation technology similar to that used in the Salt Lake Temple renovation. This allows the structure to move independently of ground motion.
Water Conservation In arid regions like Arizona, Utah, and Northern Mexico, 2026 temple designs feature xeriscaping and advanced gray-water recycling systems for all grounds maintenance.
Modular Integration To meet the demand in remote areas, the Church utilizes high-precision modular stone cutting and interior assembly. This ensures that a temple in a remote part of Africa meets the same aesthetic and structural quality as one in Salt Lake City.
Managing Your Visit: 2026 Guidelines
For those planning to visit a temple on this list, 2026 has introduced several logistical updates through the global Church digital ecosystem.
- Digital Scheduling: All proxy ordinances must be scheduled via the updated 2026 Member Tools app. Walk-in availability is now strictly limited to specific "open-access" hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Open House Protocol: For new 2026 temples like the Barcelona Spain or Singapore temples, public open houses require digital reservations. These tickets are free but mandatory to manage crowd flow.
- Temple Square Navigation: If visiting the Salt Lake Temple in 2026, utilize the new subterranean visitor center, which connects the North and South visitor centers with a history of the 6-year renovation project.
- Recommend Verification: Ensure your digital temple recommend is active in your Church account. 2026 kiosks at temple entries now utilize NFC (Near Field Communication) for faster check-in.
Comparing Temple Sizes and Capacity (2026 Metrics)
While every temple is considered equally sacred, the 2026 landscape shows a massive variance in scale to suit local needs.
| Size Category | Examples (2026 Status) | Average Capacity | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large/Regional | Salt Lake, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. | 500+ per session | Major metropolitan hubs and historic sites. |
| Mid-Size | Nairobi Kenya, Pocatello Idaho, Gilbert Arizona | 150-300 per session | High-density member areas with high weekly attendance. |
| Small/Local | Singapore, Monticello Utah, Anchorage Alaska | 30-75 per session | Remote areas or cities with smaller, dedicated populations. |
Troubleshooting and FAQ
How can I find the nearest operating temple in 2026? The most accurate list is maintained in the Member Tools app and the official Church website. You can filter by "Operating," "Under Construction," or "Scheduled for Open House."
Can I visit the grounds of temples that are under construction? While construction sites are restricted for safety, most have a dedicated "Public Viewpoint" or a visitors' center trailer. In 2026, many larger construction sites, such as the one in Dubai, offer virtual reality tours of the future interior.
Why are some temples on the list closed for "Renovation" in 2026? The Church maintains a rolling renovation schedule. Once a temple reaches roughly 30–40 years of age, it may close for 12–24 months for HVAC updates, aesthetic refreshes, and seismic upgrades to meet current 2026 safety codes.
What is the status of the Salt Lake Temple open house in 2026? The open house is scheduled to run for several months in early to mid-2026. It is one of the largest public events in the history of the Church, requiring advance booking via the official online portal.
Are there any new temples planned for 2027? Announcements for 2027 will likely occur during the October 2026 General Conference. Current trends suggest a focus on Northern Europe and the interior regions of South America.
Moving Toward a Global Presence
The 2026 list of LDS temples reflects a church that is no longer centered solely in the American West. With temples operating in nearly every corner of the globe, the focus has shifted from the "destination temple" to the "neighborhood temple." This decentralization ensures that the sacred ordinances associated with these buildings are available to all members, regardless of their economic or geographic situation.
Whether you are looking to attend the historic rededication of the Salt Lake Temple or seeking the nearest local temple in a developing nation, the 2026 infrastructure is designed for efficiency, sustainability, and spiritual focus.
