Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center Reopens
Contributed By By Jason Swensen, Church News staff writer
The reopened Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center, seen in the foreground, sits in the shadow of the Mexico City Mexico Temple.
Article Highlights
- The remodeled center now features a variety of gospel-themed exhibits.
- Exhibits teach about the about the life of Jesus Christ, prophets throughout the ages, and the history of the Church in Mexico.
- Several families have come to the center, requested missionary lessons, and been baptized.
“The Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center was completely remodeled with beautiful new exhibits that emphasize the Savior Jesus Christ. Each exhibit has been designed to help visitors feel His love and strengthen their faith in Him.” —Mark Lusvardi, Church Missionary Department
Related Links
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Located in the shadow of the Mexico City Mexico Temple, the Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center was reopened November 23 after being closed for remodeling.
The 19,000-square-foot building is the third largest visitors’ center in the Church (following Temple Square and Washington, D.C.) and features several theaters, missionary teaching rooms, and a variety of gospel-themed exhibits.
“The Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center was completely remodeled with beautiful new exhibits that emphasize the Savior Jesus Christ. Each exhibit has been designed to help visitors feel His love and strengthen their faith in Him,” said Mark Lusvardi of the Church’s Missionary Department.
Excitement has accompanied the recent reopening. Since November 23, more than 30,000 guests have visited the center.
“While this beautiful newly remodeled visitors’ center will bless the lives of many Church members in Mexico, it is also a wonderful way for members to introduce their family and friends to the gospel of Jesus Christ. On the first day the center was open to the public, more than 100 of those not of our faith requested missionaries to come to their homes to teach them,” said Brother Lusvardi.
Local leaders are thrilled with the initial response from patrons. The center averages between 55 and 95 self-referrals every day. Several families and individuals have come to the center, requested missionary lessons, and been baptized.
The Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center “is a blessing for Mexico because it gives an opportunity for Church members to come and learn more, to bring their friends and learn the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Mexico Area President Daniel L. Johnson, a member of the Seventy.
“I’ve never seen a visitors’ center as impressive as this center,” he added. “I invite everyone to come; it will be an unforgettable experience.”
Mexico is an anchor in the Church with over 1.2 million members, more than 200 stakes, and 12 temples. Appropriately, the visitors’ center features architectural patterns in stonework, glass stenciling, and carpet that mirror patterns on the exterior of the neighboring temple.
The visitors’ center is distinctly Mexican. All exhibits are in Spanish and include original media developed specifically for a Mexican audience. It is the first visitors’ center to include an entire exhibit area designed specifically for teaching gospel principles to children.
Church officials at the reopening of the Mexico City Temple Visitors’ Center included, from left, Mark J. Lusvardi, Elder Duane H. Zobrist, Elder Daniel L. Johnson, Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela, Stephen B. Allen, and Jason J. Mitchell. Photo courtesy of the LDS Missionary Department.
Display highlights include the beloved Christus statue of Jesus Christ—along with exhibits on prophets through the ages, gospel messages for children, and an Old Jerusalem–themed theater with various presentations on the life and mission of Christ.
Brother Lusvardi said that among the other exhibits, there is a beautiful new exhibit that teaches about the history of the Church in Mexico. It begins with early leadership and chronicles the history of Church members through the years. It concludes with a wonderful story about modern-day Church pioneers.
“The level of spirituality in the center is unequal,” said the center’s director, Elder Duane Zobrist. “There are so many tools to bring the Spirit into people’s’ lives, including ourselves.”
Elder Zobrist serves at the center with his wife, Sister Sharon Zobrist, along with two additional senior missionary couples and 24 full-time sister missionaries.
“This a beautiful place—it’s spectacular,” wrote visitor Judith Patino. “I shed tears of gratitude knowing in my heart that the Church is true and that God’s plan of salvation can make us happy.”
