Conference Center — Attraction in Salt Lake City

Wow, just wow.

I feel like I have to preface this review by saying I am not Mormon because I want people to know how welcoming everyone was at Temple Square was and that, regardless of what church you attend, visiting Temple Square, the Tabernacle and Conference Center are can't miss experiences if you are in Salt Lake City.

We visited Temple Square to tour the grounds the day before and some lovely volunteers in the Tabernacle invited us to the free organ recital the following day.

We didn't know it was at the Conference Center due to organ maintenance but quickly figured this out and hurried over for the 12:00 recital. They have a second massive pipe organ there and it's about a block away from the historic Tabernacle.

Initially disappointed we wouldn't be in the Tabernacle itself, we were immediately awed by the Conference Center. What a space!! It's massive, the largest meeting hall I have ever been in. It can seat over 21,000 people- that's a whole town!

There were only around a hundred people there on this quiet summer Monday, so the space felt cavernous. I can only imagine the energy when it is at full capacity for a service or concert!

The decor is beautifully art deco in nature, with an imposing granite exterior and gorgeous stone throughout. There is a lot of art and statuary in the serene building. The Schoenstein pipe organ is a thing to behold. The recital included both classical and more modern arrangements and was such a treat!

I had a fascinating experience as I sat listening to the recital. There are stunning skylights along the roof line of the space allowing sunlight to fill the space and as we sat, a rainbow prism of light made its way across my lap and into my hands from above then continued on to the empty seat beside mine before disappearing entirely. Was it the Holy Spirit? Just a trick of the light? Whatever it was, in this space, in that moment, it felt undeniably meaningful to my skeptics heart and brought tears to my eyes. Discovered later there are in fact prisms atop the roof that cast these rainbows into the auditorium on sunny days - what a brilliant detail!

Currently (Summer 2025) the free, 30 minute recitals are at 12:00 Monday- Saturday and at 2:00 on Sundays at the Conference Center. Seriously a sight to behold (and to hear!) if you have the time.

I didn't realize they also allow the general public to attend Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsals and the Sunday performances for free! These are all in the Conference Center throughout the summer months. The rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7:30 and the Sunday performances of "Music and the Spoken Word" begin at 9:30. Had I known this was a possibility, I'd have planned our trip a little differently so my family could have...

I love the conference center on Temple Square. It is a iconic and historical place. Twice a year members of the church watch the leaders of the church speak here worldwide. They do performances often on Sunday mornings. We can hear beautiful music from the Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square. They do wonderful events throughout the year. Some of my favorites are la Luz de los naciones where they have people for many Hispanic countries and cultures do dances and play nutritional music. It is fun and a great cultural experience.

During Christmas. They also have a Christmas devotional where you can enjoy beautiful music as well as hear some wonderful talks or discourses about Christmas that are heartwarming family friendly and inspiring and Spirit-filled.

I would recommend visiting this place whether it is just empty during the day where you can go on a tour or if you have an opportunity to go to an event such as general conference the Christmas devotional or another event. It is fun to attend.

If you go on a tour the sister missionaries are very friendly and are happy to tell you about the building and respond to any questions you may have. There are beautiful galleries of artwork different areas have different collections such as an area with original paintings of the Book of Mormon. They have another of the church leaders. There is a hall of the prophets which you can see bust of each of the profits of this dispensation, which are currently 18 also they have other beautiful and inspiring artwork reflecting the Bible the Savior's life.

If you visit here, don't forget to check out the other building such as the Tabernacle where you can hear concerts and also organ practice. The Assembly Hall is also very cool and historic building to see I also love seeing some of the other buildings that beehive house the lion house.

Plus the temple is very iconic and beautiful when they have the visitor centers open. I'd highly recommend visiting those areas as well because they are very close. The General Conference Center is also close to the church history museum, which is a wonderful...

The Conference Center is one of the most impressive and inspiring buildings to visit in Salt Lake City. It was designed to host very large gatherings, and the scale of the auditorium is breathtaking. With seating for tens of thousands, it is one of the largest religious and cultural meeting halls in the world, yet it still feels welcoming and beautifully designed.

The architecture is both modern and meaningful, with clean lines, natural materials, and a thoughtful design that reflects harmony and peace. One of the highlights is the rooftop garden, which offers peaceful walkways, fountains, and a stunning view of downtown Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains. The art and sculptures displayed throughout the building are also inspiring and worth taking the time to appreciate.

Visitors can attend concerts, conferences, and other special events in the main hall, and the acoustics and visual design make the experience memorable no matter where you are seated. Free guided tours are available, and the volunteers are kind and knowledgeable, eager to share insights about the history, architecture, and purpose of the building.

The Conference Center is located right next to Temple Square, which makes it easy to include as part of a visit to other historic and cultural sites in the area. Admission is free, and the building is open to all visitors.

Overall, the Conference Center is an extraordinary place that combines art, architecture, music, and faith in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you attend an event, take a tour, or simply walk through to enjoy its beauty, it is well...