First Vision Statue Arrives At Temple Square

As part of Temple Square's ongoing renovation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has placed the first in a series of new statues created by local artists. These sculptures, which visualize key moments in Jesus Christ's life, teachings and Church history, will be placed across the grounds throughout 2025 and 2026.

“Temple Square has always had gardens and sculptures,” said Bill Williams, director of temple design for the Church’s Special Projects Department. “This renovation allowed us to reimagine the story these sculptures and gardens could tell.”

One recently installed statue depicts the moment Joseph Smith, then a 14-year-old boy in New York in 1820, saw God and Jesus Christ. For members of the Church, this event (known as the First Vision) marks the beginning of Church history.