The temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church, also known as Mormon), one of the most mysterious buildings in Washington and its surrounding areas, will be open to the public for the first time in half a century.
The six golden Spiers and white-walled temples in Kensington, Maryland, which look like science fiction novels, have been intriguing for many years. Normally, only Mormons can enter, but it is said that it will be open to the public for free by appointment from the end of April to the beginning of June.
When it was opened last time in 1974, about 750,000 people were said to have come on the tour. Among them was Betty Ford, the first lady of the time.
As soon as you get inside, you have to change into white clothes and wear white slippers. “This is a reset. It’s a symbol of equality and chastity,” explained one of the executives from Utah, where the headquarters of Mormonism is located.
The thick carpet is as good as new, and the interior with golden accents is gorgeous. In the baptistery, a small aquarium is installed behind the statue of 12 bulls made of white marble. The bull is said to represent the 12 tribes of Israel. You can also visit the white marble “temple”. Weddings are held in front of this altar.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit during the public opening.