See photographs of the inside of the Washington D.C. Temple (2023)

The Washington D.C. Temple in Kensington, Maryland on Sunday, April 17, 2022.

The Washington D.C.Temple in Kensington, Maryland on Sunday, April 17, 2022.

The domed oval and pointed arch motifs culminate in the Celestial Room of the Washington D.C. Temple. Entering this sacred space symbolizes the ultimate progression one can achieve toward heaven itself. The newly added Austrian-crafted crystal chandelier is a central focus with 12 supporting chandeliers set in their individual pointed-arch alcoves.

A sitting area inside the Washington D.C. Temple, with the grand staircase and stained glass wall in the background.

The reception desk in the foyer of the Washington D.C. Temple is shown in July 2021. This is where devout Latter-day Saints enter the temple. The refurbished art glass behind the desk now has LED backlighting to showcase the depiction of the Tree of Life described in the Book of Mormon. The Tree of Life represents eternal life and the love of God. Photo was taken July 2021.

Modern design furnishings accompany a custom geometric-patterned rug and white marble flooring in the windowed bridge of the Washington D.C. Temple and is shown in July 2021. Crossing the bridge from the reception desk into the temple itself suggests a departure from the cares of the world toward celestial tranquility.

Modern design furnishings accompany a custom geometric-patterned rug and white marble flooring in the windowed bridge of the Washington D.C. Temple is shown in July 2021. Crossing the bridge from the reception desk into the temple itself suggests a departure from the cares of the world toward celestial tranquility.

Entering the domed, oval rotunda of the Washington D.C. Temple. The rotunda features African anegre and maple hardwood and mid-century modern furnishings and is shown in April 2022.

Original artwork portraying the Savior’s return in His glory accompanied by heralding angels is the focus in the domed oval-shaped rotunda of the Washington D.C. Temple and is shown in April 2022.

The unique domed oval design of the Washington D.C. Temple rotunda features African anegre and maple hardwood and mid-century modern furnishings and is shown in April 2022.

One of six instruction rooms in the Washington D.C. Temple is shown in July 2021. This is where devout Latter-day Saints learn about God’s creation, the purpose of life, and how to become more like Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.

The brides’ room inside the Washington D.C. Temple features a cherry blossom-patterned rug, crystal sconces and chandelier and is shown in July 2021.

The baptistry in the Washington D.C. Temple is shown in July 2021.

The baptismal font in the Washington D.C. Temple is shouldered by oxen, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, made of cast terrazzo.

The Washington D.C. Temple stained glass windows that span the east and west towers have been refurbished. Each piece of colored glass was removed, cleaned and reinstalled in updated, weather-insulated frames — by hand. The work was completed by the same company of artisans who first created the art glass and is shown in July 2021.

The staircase, backlit by stained glass, spans the length of the east and west towers of the Washington D.C. Temple and is shown in July 2021.

The domed oval and pointed arch motifs culminate in the celestial room of the Washington D.C. Temple. Entering this sacred space symbolizes the ultimate progression one can achieve toward heaven itself. The newly added Austrian-crafted crystal chandelier is a central focus with 12 supporting chandeliers set in their individual pointed-arch alcoves.

The celestial room inside the renovated Washington D.C. Temple features gold leaf-adorned walls, a central crystal chandelier supported by 12 smaller chandeliers in individual pointed-arch alcoves and modern design furnishings and is shown in July 2021.

The assembly room in the Washington D.C. Temple in July 2021. This room is reminiscent of temples of the 19th century. In this room, senior leaders of the Church meet with local leadership to discuss Church matters.

The doors of the celestial room inside the renovated Washington D.C. Temple feature brass escutcheons engraved with the image of the temple and shaped like the temple’s footprint.

One of 10 sealing rooms inside the Washington D.C. Temple shown in July 2021. A central crystal chandelier augments the domed oval motif prevalent in many areas of the temple. Here, marriages are performed that unite couples and their families forever.

The chapel inside the Washington D.C. Temple in January 2022.

The Washington D.C.Temple in Kensington, Maryland on Sunday, April 17, 2022.

Motorists drive on the Capital Beltway with a view of the Washington D.C.Temple in Kensington, Maryland on Sunday, April 17, 2022.

The Washington D.C.Temple in Kensington, Maryland on Sunday, April 17, 2022. Tours continue for the national and local media.

The Washington D.C. temple’s exterior cladding is Alabama white marble, quarried in Sylacauga, Alabama. This quarry closed shortly after the temple was completed in 1974. The quarry reopened just before the renovation started in 2018. The unique colored marble is the only match for the temple’s exterior cladding.

Aerial view of the Washington D.C. Temple during construction in the early 1970s.

Artist’s rendering of the Washington D.C. Temple.

Site plan and elevations of original concept of the Washington D.C. Temple.

Crews prepare to install the angel Moroni on the Washington D.C. Temple in the 1970s. The statue symbolizes the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Washington D.C. Temple during construction in the early 1970s.

The Washington D.C. Temple during construction in the early 1970s.

Site plan and elevations of original concept of the Washington D.C. Temple.

Site plan and elevations of original concept of the Washington D.C. Temple, drawn Feb. 10, 1969.

The early stages of construction of the Washington D.C. Temple in the early 1970s. The Church broke ground for the temple in 1968.

Original plans for the second floor of the Washington D.C. Temple. Like the Salt Lake Utah Temple, the Washington D.C. Temple has six towers and spires.

An artist’s watercolor rendering of the Washington D.C. Temple.

This team of architects was assembled to design the Washington D.C. Temple.

Groundbreaking ceremony of the Washington D.C. Temple in 1968.

Groundbreaking ceremony of the Washington D.C. Temple in 1968.

An artist’s rendering of the grand staircase and stained glass window inside the Washington D.C. Temple. This feature runs the length of the east and west towers. The colored glass is illuminated at night and can be seen from the Capital Beltway.

Crews form tower walls for the Washington D.C. Temple on Jan. 14, 1972.

The exterior bronze door of the Washington D.C. Temple features bronze medallions depicting the earth, moon and other familiar constellations to represent eternity. This photo was taken in 2021.

The gardens of the Washington D.C. Temple feature plants and trees to complement the native foliage and wooded areas surrounding the temple.