Salt Lake Tabernacle
A historic architectural marvel with world-class acoustics, home to the iconic 11,623-pipe organ and the renowned Tabernacle Choir.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Choir rehearsals are free!
Salt Lake Tabernacle
Best Time
Choir rehearsals are free!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic architectural marvel with world-class acoustics, home to the iconic 11,623-pipe organ and the renowned Tabernacle Choir.
"The acoustics are magnificent, and the pipe organ is a breathtaking instrument!"
🎯 Free Organ Recitals Daily
Catch free 30-minute pipe organ recitals, often at 12 PM Mon-Sat & 2 PM Sun. Check current schedules! :musical_score:
🎟️ Choir Tickets in Advance
Free tickets for Tabernacle Choir performances are often required. Book online ahead of time! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Pipe Organ
Inside the Tabernacle
A breathtaking 11,623-pipe organ, a masterpiece of musical engineering and a stunning visual centerpiece.
Architectural Marvel
The Tabernacle building
An egg-shaped architectural wonder with superb acoustics, built from 1863 to 1875.
Tabernacle Choir Performances
Inside the Tabernacle (or Conference Center)
Witness the world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square perform live, a truly unforgettable musical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Recitals
Acoustics & Organ Marvel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Organ Recitals Daily
Catch free 30-minute pipe organ recitals, often at 12 PM Mon-Sat & 2 PM Sun. Check current schedules! :musical_score:
🎟️ Choir Tickets in Advance
Free tickets for Tabernacle Choir performances are often required. Book online ahead of time! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Temple Square
The Tabernacle is on Temple Square, a beautiful area with gardens and other historic buildings to explore. :world_map:
🎶 Attend a Rehearsal
Free rehearsals for the Tabernacle Choir are typically on Thursday evenings. A unique experience! :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Organ Recitals Daily
Catch free 30-minute pipe organ recitals, often at 12 PM Mon-Sat & 2 PM Sun. Check current schedules! :musical_score:
🎟️ Choir Tickets in Advance
Free tickets for Tabernacle Choir performances are often required. Book online ahead of time! :ticket:
🚶♀️ Explore Temple Square
The Tabernacle is on Temple Square, a beautiful area with gardens and other historic buildings to explore. :world_map:
🎶 Attend a Rehearsal
Free rehearsals for the Tabernacle Choir are typically on Thursday evenings. A unique experience! :iphone:
👂 Listen to the Acoustics
The egg-shaped design provides incredible acoustics. Even without a concert, the sound is amazing. :sound:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Salt Lake Tabernacle for its stunning architecture, magnificent pipe organ, and the incredible acoustics that make any performance a memorable experience. Many highlight the free organ recitals and the opportunity to attend choir rehearsals as significant draws. While some note that tickets for choir performances can be hard to get, the overall sentiment is one of awe and appreciation for this historic venue.
"A very beautiful organ hall with a special atmosphere. We didn’t attend a concert but listened to the volunteers’ story about its history — very interesting! We’d love to come back, maybe for a concert next time."
Iryna Shchukina
"We flew into Salt Lake on our way to Yellowstone Park. We aren't Mormon, but I thought it important to explore Temple Square while we were in the city.
We arrived on a Sunday evening around 5:30 and took a walk around the lovely grounds and gardens and were excited to discover we could go INSIDE the Tabernacle! We were met by some welcoming volunteers who cheerfully shared info about the historic Tabernacle and invited us to a free pipe organ recital the following day.
As a music lover - and my son is a music major! - we know how impressive the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is. The Tabernacle itself is beautiful and to be in the historic space with the maroon risers and amazing pipe organ that I've seen many times on television and album covers was very special.
We came back the next day for the recital. Due to organ maintenance the concert was over at the Conference Center (they have a second massive pipe organ there) about a block away. Initially disappointed we wouldn't be in the Tabernacle itself, we were awed by that massive space and had a wonderful experience.
Currently (Summer 2025) the free, 30 minute recitals are at 12 :00 Monday- Saturday and at 2:00 on Sundays at the Conference Center. Seriously a sight to behold (and to hear!) if you have the time.
I didn't realize they also allow the general public to attend Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsals and the Sunday performances for free! The rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7:30 and the Sunday performances of "Music and the Spoken Word" begin at 9:30. Had I known this was a possibility, I'd have planned our trip a little differently so my family could have experienced one of the most celebrated choirs on the planet!"
Lisa E. (Peachy in Georgia)
"Mormon Tabernacle
It is egg-shaped, so the acoustics are magnificent. The pipe organ has more than 11,000 pipes, and the choir is 360 voices. There is also a 100-piece orchestra, and the lighting is phenomenal."
Barry Knight
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Salt Lake Tabernacle is located on Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including the UTA TRAX light rail system (Temple Square station). Many visitors also find it convenient to walk if staying in nearby hotels. Parking is available in nearby garages, but can be costly. +1
Yes, there are several parking garages around Temple Square. However, parking fees can add up, especially for longer visits. Consider public transport or walking if possible to save money.
Absolutely! The Tabernacle is a key attraction on Temple Square and can easily be incorporated into a day trip to Salt Lake City. Plan your visit to include a tour or a performance.
For exploring downtown Salt Lake City, including the Tabernacle, the UTA TRAX light rail and bus system is efficient and affordable. Many attractions are also within walking distance of each other.
While official guided tours might be limited, friendly volunteers are often stationed inside the Tabernacle to share its history and answer questions. You can also attend free organ recitals and choir rehearsals for a deeper experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to the Salt Lake Tabernacle is free. You can walk in and explore the building and learn about its history from volunteers.
Tickets for the Tabernacle Choir's 'Music and the Spoken Word' broadcasts and concerts are free but often required. They can typically be obtained online through the official Tabernacle Choir website well in advance of the performance.
Yes, you can often attend the Tabernacle Choir's rehearsals for free. These are typically held on Thursday evenings. Check the official choir schedule for exact times and any ticketing requirements.
The Tabernacle is generally open to the public daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check the official Temple Square website for the most up-to-date information on access and any special event closures.
The Tabernacle hosts various events, including daily pipe organ recitals and the weekly 'Music and the Spoken Word' broadcast featuring the Tabernacle Choir. Keep an eye on the schedule for special performances.
🎫 🎶 Music & Performances
The world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performs regularly. You can attend their free 'Music and the Spoken Word' broadcast on Sunday mornings, or catch their rehearsals on Thursday evenings.
Daily pipe organ recitals are a highlight, showcasing the magnificent 11,623-pipe organ. These free 30-minute performances offer a chance to appreciate the instrument's power and range.
While historically held in the Tabernacle, due to renovations or larger events, performances may sometimes take place in the nearby Conference Center, which also features a grand pipe organ.
Absolutely! The Tabernacle and its performances are open to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. Visitors often express appreciation for the welcoming atmosphere.
'Music and the Spoken Word' is the longest-running continuous network broadcast in the world, featuring the Tabernacle Choir and a brief inspirational message. It airs Sunday mornings.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Construction of the Salt Lake Tabernacle began in 1863 and was completed in 1875. It's a historic landmark on Temple Square.
The Tabernacle is famous for its distinctive egg shape, which provides exceptional acoustics. It was built using local materials and is an architectural marvel of its time.
The Tabernacle was built by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Brigham Young overseeing its construction.
The original organ was built in 1867 by Joseph Ridges. It has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, now boasting 206 ranks and 11,623 pipes.
Historically, the Tabernacle was designed to house large gatherings and conferences for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has also been a venue for significant musical performances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring Temple Square, where the Tabernacle is located, offers open spaces and beautiful gardens that kids can enjoy. Volunteers inside the Tabernacle are often friendly and can answer simple questions, making the visit interactive. Consider attending a rehearsal if your children have a longer attention span for music.
🎵 Music Lovers & Classical Enthusiasts
Make sure to check the schedule for both the daily organ recitals and the Tabernacle Choir's rehearsals or broadcasts. Securing free tickets in advance for choir events is highly recommended, as they are often oversubscribed. Even if you can't attend a performance, visiting the Tabernacle to admire the organ and soak in the atmosphere is a rewarding experience.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Take time to appreciate the construction details and learn about the Tabernacle's role in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The volunteers inside are a great resource for historical insights. Combine your visit with exploring other historic sites on Temple Square for a comprehensive historical tour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magnificent Pipe Organ
This massive organ is not just a visual spectacle, with its intricate pipework dominating the interior, but it's the soul of the Tabernacle's legendary acoustics.Visitors often describe the organ as a 'masterpiece' and a 'breathtaking instrument.' The sheer scale and complexity are awe-inspiring, and hearing it played during a recital or a choir performance is an unforgettable experience. The sound fills the entire egg-shaped hall, creating a truly immersive auditory journey. Many travelers express a desire to return specifically for a concert to fully appreciate its capabilities.
During your visit, take time to admire the organ's craftsmanship and imagine the dedication it took to build and maintain such a complex musical machine. Even if you miss a live performance, the presence of the organ is a constant reminder of the rich musical heritage housed within the Tabernacle.
Acoustics and Architectural Genius
Travelers consistently praise the 'magnificent acoustics' and the 'special atmosphere' created by the building's design. Whether attending a choir rehearsal, an organ recital, or simply standing in the center of the hall, the clarity and resonance of sound are remarkable. This architectural brilliance is a testament to the ingenuity of its builders, who prioritized the auditory experience for large congregations and performances.
Beyond its sound, the Tabernacle's construction itself is a story of dedication. Built between 1863 and 1875, it utilized local materials and the labor of many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The result is a historic structure that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, a true landmark of Salt Lake City.
Experiencing the Tabernacle Choir
+1Attending a performance or even a rehearsal is a popular activity. The choir's weekly broadcast, 'Music and the Spoken Word,' is a continuous program that has been running for decades, making it the longest-running network broadcast in history. While tickets for the broadcast are free, they are often in high demand and should be secured in advance. Rehearsals, typically held on Thursday evenings, also offer a fantastic opportunity to hear the choir practice and experience their dedication.
Even if you can't secure tickets for a specific performance, the Tabernacle itself is worth visiting. The sheer presence of the choir's performance space, with its iconic organ and historical significance, provides a profound sense of the choir's legacy. Many visitors express regret at missing a performance and strongly advise planning ahead to ensure they can attend.
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