Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center Reopens
Los Angeles Temple
Article Highlights
- The center highlights Church history in Southern California.
- Visitors can take home part of the experience.
- The center has several exhibit areas and two theaters.
“The visitors’ center will provide a teaching resource for missionaries and Church members in Southern California.”
After a two-year remodeling project, the Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center reopened on August 7, 2010. The visitors’ center highlights the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southern California while still focusing on fundamental principles of the gospel.
“We wanted to have something that would include local features while still presenting the worldwide message of the Church,” said Mark Lusvardi, director of public programs in the Church’s Missionary Department.
In the new exhibits members in Southern California share their feelings about the gospel and the Los Angeles Temple, which President David O. McKay (1873–1970) dedicated in 1956.
The eight exhibits also teach about Jesus Christ and principles of the gospel, including the family, prophets, the Book of Mormon, and service to others. In one area visitors can e-mail or save parts of the exhibits on flash drives, allowing them to take home part of their experience at the visitors’ center.
“The visitors’ center will provide a teaching resource for missionaries and Church members in Southern California,” Brother Lusvardi said. “They can bring people here to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
The 12,000-square-foot (1,100 square meters) building includes several areas for exhibits and two theaters. Its centerpiece is an 11-foot (3.4 meter) replica of the Christus statue, which is visible from outside the visitors’ center.
