Church History Museum

45 N West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA

Address:	45 N West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA
Phone:	+1 801-240-3310
Site:	history.lds.org
Rating:	4.8
Working:	9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 10AM–5PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Ryan Fisk

After circling around the adjacent Temple Square, a visit to the free LDS Church History Museum was the end of our "Mormon tour" for the day! Upon entering, we were greeted by very friendly volunteer staff, one of whom offered to whisk us through the main floor on a brief guided tour. My friend is Jewish and Im Lutheran Protestant, and admittedly, neither of us are too religious. Despite this, the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was delivered to us in an easily-digestible manner as we walked through the chronologically-arranged museum path. Along the way, she drew several parallels between their faith and both of ours, illustrating examples where thoughts differed or where they were similar. There was no religious "sales pitch" or anything, just good information as to their take on certain Biblical events. The exhibits themselves were well-furnished, with several original artifacts (or near replications) peppered around. Plaques, interactive features, and other elements further immersed us into each "scene" as we progressed through. We spent most of our time on the main floor, but ventured upstairs for a quick glimpse at some beautiful Indian artwork before heading out. Thank you to our wonderful (and non-judgmental!) tour guide, who was very knowledgable and helpful throughout our visit. If youre already here visiting the nearby Temple Square, set aside 30-60 minutes for a stop at this museum too!

Stephen Berry

The place is nice. I was there sometime ago but this is about the need not to call and email them if you are a student. Because you are worthless to them. I called and explain that I was trying to get a little bit of information. I was then contacted by email. I asked what personal effect of Joseph Smith they had. I was clear I did not need any details on them. Just what they were. I.E. pen, watch,... When they found out I was a BYU student trying to put together a paper on religious artifacts I was told that they do not offer "Research services for student." I should of asked for an explanation but I was caught off guard when I found out just because I was a "student" I was not worth there time. I still wonder if I was dishonest and said I was a professor if I would of had value in there eyes and received and simple answer to a simple question. I will now drive the 1 1/2 round trip to get an answer for myself.

Carl Mazur

Wonderful new building which adds so much more to the existing artifacts, including lots of things for very small children. Kids can now interact with new things, like crawl through a log in the forest are where Joseph Smith found the plates. They can interact on touch screens, as well as adults. Complete tour would take about 3-4 hours if you did everything and did a thorough tour. Otherwise, you can spend an hour or two and be done. I like the more recent prophet pictures and information as well as their history and many places to take pictures with items and artifacts. Wheelchair accessible with elevators. Any age group are welcome. All indoors and climate controlled. No admission fees whatsoever. If special needs or wheel-chair theres plenty of room to be mobile without disturbing others. Very well lit. There seemed to be plenty of staff on hand to answer any questions as well. Good times.

Camille Purtschert

First time we have been back since it was remodeled. It is beautiful!! Entertaining for the kids as well because there is a lot of interactive displays. Theyve made it easy to go through, the flow is nice and you learn a lot more about the history of the church than before. 7 minute video on the First Vision was breathtaking and tender. Theyve added new displays, including the clothing Hyrum Smith was wearing when he was killed. The new childrens center has many fun activities to do and they have updated the store with many souvenirs and Utah/Pioneer items. The missionaries serving there were kind, informative and helpful. Usually youd think a museum wouldnt be able to hold the attention of kids, but my kids loved it! Definitely take the time to visit if you are in Salt Lake. Its free to the public!

Angeline Schaaf

Im not Mormon, so my experience was probably a little different than others. The Zionist military info was way crazy scary. The highlight was absolutely the small 180 cinema with surround sound. Rather exciting experience if you dont mind the "Jesus suddenly appearing in front of Joseph Smith in the woods" type of thing. I didnt visit the upstairs so I cant speak to that. The enjoyably creepy death masks of Joseph Smith and his brother are near the gift shop (where they sell Mormon missionary action figures). Everyone who worked/volunteered at the museum seemed kind and helpful. I would visit again.

Luke Piper

If youre curious about LDS history, then this is a great self discovery museum. They do have a few historical artifact presentations and an art gallery. There is a short 6 minute movie presented in an amazing 180 degree wrap around theater. The trip alone was worth that. The museum is free. There is a gift shop if youre interested. There were no religious solicitations or offers while I was there. The staff was professional, helpful and available. The facility is new beautiful and obviously expensive. The bathroom stalls were made of solid granite! Seriously impressive.

john florez

We visited here during a recent visit to SLC and we very pleasantly surprised by this museum. We went with 2 little ones and there was enough there to hold their interest without the constant choruses of "can we go?" There was a lot of information and the exhibits were all very well done. The kids also enjoyed the final stop of the museum where there were a number of crafts and activities for big and little ones alike to enjoy. We could have spent much more time there but only had about an hour and enjoyed it thoroughly. Highly recommend this if you are in the area.

Doug Archibald

Theyve created so many fascinating exhibits that it is a delight for people of all ages and historical knowledge to go there. The exhibits are often extremely interactive. I thoroughly enjoyed the 270 degree first vision experience, and the replica of the kirtland temple. Even though the place was extremely crowded (it was general conference weekend), the place is designed to handle crowds extremely well, and surprisingly they didnt diminish the experience or get in my way very much.

P Miller

I always enjoy this museum. It is targeted to the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have a great store with interesting things. In front of the museum is a cabin built and decorated in pioneer style. There are rotating exhibits on the second floor. My favorite is when they display art from their competition. I have found several pieces that eventually I have purchased. Whenever I am in Salt Lake I make an effort to visit this museum.

Edward Nielsen

I really expected more artifacts and personal effects. The lighting from neighboring areas made it difficult to view some of the displays. A creepy old man with a name tag started badgering me--I hate stuff like that--so I walked away... I did enjoy seeing the death mask of Joseph Smith and his brother, and, Brigham Youngs sun glasses. Awesome design! Just a so-so museum over all, but at least its opened on Sundays when most places are closed.

Brett Groneman

Loved it. Great to have some kids things scattered around to keep the littles occupied while the rest of us try to see the rest. And of course they enjoyed the dedicated kids room too. The wrap around screen presentation of the first vision was incredible. I liked the rest of it too ... But sometime I need to come without little people and spend hours so that I can actually read everything I want to.