Church History Museum

The Church History Museum is a free, indoor stop directly west of Temple Square. Its galleries present the history, art, faith, and worldwide culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Families should expect a religious point of view rather than a general Utah history museum.

The main-floor exhibit follows the Church's early history through art, artifacts, interactive displays, and education stations. Activity carts give children concrete ways to join in. They may handle a replica of the Gold Plates, fold a section modeled after the first edition of the Book of Mormon, or try pioneer children's toys.

Docents are stationed in the galleries and may offer short presentations, but the museum does not run scheduled public tours. The experience is designed to be self-guided.

A major temporary change matters for families visiting now. A Firm Foundation, the second-floor children's exhibit, closed for construction on Monday, August 3, 2026, and is scheduled to reopen Tuesday, November 24, 2026. The museum says other children's activities will be offered during the closure.

Check the official page close to your visit, especially if that exhibit is your main reason for going.

The museum recommends 1.5 to 2 hours to see everything, although a shorter focused visit works. Strollers are allowed, and a limited number of single-seat strollers can be borrowed free from guest services. Baby-changing tables are in public restrooms. Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere, and the women's restrooms have sitting areas for added privacy. There are no family restrooms.

Arrival can require more planning than admission. The recommended Conference Center garage offers free validation for museum patrons, but spaces are not guaranteed. The lot beside the museum is under construction. The Temple Square TRAX station is half a block away, and downtown transit operates within a fare-free area. Food and drinks are prohibited inside, so plan meals around the visit.