Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate the new Nauvoo Temple Visitors’ Center in historic Nauvoo, Illinois, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The dedication ceremony, which also includes the rededication of the restored Brigham and Mary Ann Young Home, marks a significant addition to the site's religious and historical offerings.
New center features and exhibits
The new visitors' center is designed to bridge the gap between early Church history and the modern significance of temples. According to reporting from the Church Newsroom, the facility will feature a variety of educational and spiritual elements, including historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and a short film. A notable centerpiece of the center is a Tiffany stained-glass window depicting Jesus Christ.
Children's activities and spiritual focus
In addition to these permanent exhibits, the center will provide children's activities to engage younger visitors. The stories and messages presented within the center are intended to focus on the history and importance of Nauvoo’s original temple, the current Nauvoo Illinois Temple, and the role of houses of the Lord in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Significance of the dedication date
The dedication takes place on a date of profound significance for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. June 27 marks the 24th anniversary of the dedication of the reconstructed Nauvoo Illinois Temple, which was originally dedicated on June 27, 200:: The date also commemorates the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith, who were killed in Carthage, Illinois, on June 27, 1844.
History of Nauvoo temple construction
The historical context of the Nauvoo temple is marked by both construction and destruction. Construction on the original temple began in 1841, leading to its dedication in 1846. While many members received temple blessings before the exodus West in 1846, the building was eventually destroyed by fire and a subsequent tornado. The reconstruction of the temple on the historic site was announced by President Gordon B. Hinckley on April 4, 1999.
Rededication of Young family home
Alongside the visitors' center dedication, the recently restored Brigham and Mary Ann Young Home will be rededicated. While this home was originally restored in the 1960s, it has since undergone structural and program updates. The newly updated guided tour of the residence focuses on the preparations made by the Young family as they prepared to leave their Nauble home and begin their long journey toward the West.
Elder Kyle S. McKay, the Church Historian and Recorder, expressed hope that the new facilities will foster a deeper spiritual connection for visitors. "Our hope is that all who come here will feel the love of Jesus Christ and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacred covenants and ordinances of His holy house," McKay said, noting that the vast majority of temple covenants and ordinances performed today were first restored in Nauvoo.
The historic sites in Nauvoo and Carthage serve as a primary way for visitors to experience the lives of early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As noted by the Church's official history site, Nauvoo was a thriving city during the 1840s and served as the headquarters for the Church from 1839 to 1846. The community was built through the faith and perseverance of the Saints, even as they faced intense persecution.
Beyond the temple and visitors' center, the area provides opportunities to explore restored and reconstructed buildings that help visitors remember the stories of those who helped build a covenant community. This includes learning about the establishment of the Relief Society in Nauvoo, an organization that now comprises more than 8 million women worldwide, and the place where Joseph Smith authored the Church's Articles of Faith.
The Church's history, which began in 1830, is characterized by a narrative of vision, scripture, and the building of temples. This history includes a dramatic exodus and the gathering of members from various cultures to build settlements and a new religious culture. Resources such as the four-volume 'Saints: A Narrative History' allow for deeper study into these events through the eyes of those who lived them.
Visitors to the Nauvoo area can also engage with other historical sites, such as Carthage Jail, and participate in summer performances like the Nauvoo Pageant. The Church maintains a collection of archival records, books, and research guides to help individuals navigate the complexities and challenges of Church history.
The dedicatory session for the visitors' center will be a ticketed event for those attending in person. However, the event will also be broadcast live online for global participation.
Following the dedication, the Nauvoo Temple Visitors’ Center, located at 155 Wells Street, and the Brigham and Mary Ann Young Home, located at 610 Kimball Street, will begin regular operations on Monday, June 29, 2026. The sites will be open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5:00 p.m. Admission to these sites is free.
