Two new statues have debuted on the south side of the Salt Lake Temple, near the Temple Square Visitors’ Center plaza. Their placement comes at a meaningful time of year, the Easter season, which holds profound significance for Christians around the world as they commemorate the final week of Jesus Christ's life, culminating in His Resurrection.
The two statues, “Jesus Christ Carrying the Cross” and “Jesus Christ in Gethsemane,” are visible to the public, but they are in an area of Temple Square still under construction.
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
“Jesus Christ Carrying the Cross,” created by Michael Hall, who also sculpted the First Vision statue at Temple Square, depicts Jesus Christ bearing the cross as He makes His final walk to Calvary. “Jesus Christ in Gethsemane,” created by husband-and-wife duo Stephani and Roger Hunt, portrays Christ in prayer and suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Both statues visualize transcendent moments in the life, teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ and enhance the sacred atmosphere of the renovation work underway at Temple Square.
Although visitors cannot yet see these two statues up close, other areas and buildings on Temple Square are open to the public.
Invitation to Watch General Conference
Next weekend, all are invited to celebrate Easter by watching or attending general conference on April 4–5, 2026. Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will bear testimony and teach of Jesus Christ, among other inspired messages.
To attend in person at the Conference Center, guests are required to have tickets. A standby line will be available outside the Tabernacle at Temple Square for overflow seating as well as potential seating in the Conference Center, as available.
Visitors are also encouraged to prepare for the upcoming Salt Lake Temple Celebration, scheduled from April 5 through October 1, 2027. During those six months, guests from around the world are invited to tour inside the historic temple. Surrounding buildings and plazas on Temple Square will also be open for viewing.