The San Diego temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently underwent a nearly three-year renovation project. As part of the process, the temple is holding an open house to allow non-members to tour the property before it is rededicated and closed to the public once again.
During the open house, which is expected to host approximately 700,000 people, volunteers guide visitors through the facility in cohorts of 40 people. The tours take about 45 minutes and occur at a rate of 1,200 visitors per hour.
The temple exterior features mirror-image wings and a tower topped with a statue of the angel Moroni. The complex is situated adjacent to Interstate 5. Inside, the architecture includes a foyer with biblical paintings, a grand staircase, and patterned geometric windows.
Specific areas within the temple include an instruction room, a small chapel, and a baptismal font positioned on two levels atop twelve oxen. The Celestial Room serves as the main focal point of the architecture, where visitors are invited to sit in silence for meditation.
While the LDS volunteers were described as polite and professional in managing the large crowds, a visitor noted that the interior decor, including beige carpeting and certain room designs, resembled a hotel atmosphere. Following the rededication, the temple will return to its previous status of being closed to all non-members.
