Temples Dot the Earth: Building the House of the Lord
Designed especially for children ages 1–11, this exhibit at the Church History Museum offers families a hands-on experience to discover temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world, inside and out.
Now Open
Temples Dot the Earth: Building the House of the Lord is an interactive exhibit for children and families to discover the history and purpose of temple building in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The exhibit features a beautifully constructed temple facade that divides the space into activities related to the exterior and interior of temples. Activities on the outside focus on the history of designing and building temples around the world. Inside, children explore interactive displays that illustrate temple ordinance rooms and teach about the Christ-centered purpose of temples.
Exhibit area illustrating temple interior.
Temple design and building activity area in Temples Dot the Earth.
Precious historical artifacts are also displayed throughout the space, allowing children to get an up-close look at museum treasures such as a set of drafting tools used in the design and construction of the Nauvoo Temple in 1844, an Angel Moroni model carved as a prototype for statues used on temples since the late 1970s, and even a full-size baptistry ox used in the Frankfurt Germany temple prior to its renovation.
Baptistry ox on display in Temples Dot the Earth.
Toddler activity area in Temples Dot the Earth.
All activities are designed especially for children ages 1–11, with an emphasis on ages 6–8, and there is even an area made just for toddlers.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for visitors through regular cleaning of all exhibits, activities, and public areas. Hand sanitizer is provided in each area. Please note the following guidelines for your visit:
- Wearing masks is your choice. Masks are recommended for individuals who are not fully vaccinated for Covid-19.
- We encourage the practice of physical distancing, keeping 6 feet between individuals not in the same group.
- If you are feeling sick, please stay home and return to visit another time.
The children’s exhibit is located on the second floor of the museum. Come up the stairs or elevator and walk through the International Art Competition exhibit to find the entrance.
Patrons are welcome to bring their own strollers through the museum. A limited number of single-seat strollers are also available for free check out at the front desk.
You can generally avoid the crowds by coming on weekday mornings or afternoons.
While this exhibit is geared toward younger children, youth and adults are welcome. Parents and older siblings can enjoy interacting with younger siblings in the exhibit. Youth and adult visitors can also enjoy other exhibits nearby.
Extra seating and rest areas are provided for parents in the exhibit, and we encourage family interaction. Please don’t leave your kids unattended.
