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Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Free Admission
At the heart of our Visitors’ Center, at the end of a long hallway, stands a breathtaking 1896 Tiffany art-glass panel titled “Come Unto Me,” depicting the Savior Jesus Christ standing with arms outstretched, an image reminiscent of the Christus.
More than 5,000 LED lights illuminate the layered, hand-pieced glass, drawing on the invitation found in Matthew 11:28. This sacred space invites quiet reflection and has quickly become a highlight for visitors to Nauvoo.
7.5 by 10 feet
Tiffany Art Glass, 1896
“Come Unto Me”
Ever wondered what’s inside a temple? This detailed cutaway model reveals the interior of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple, including a miniature depiction of its baptismal font, showing rooms and features not visible to the public.
View one of the original carved limestone sunstones from the first Nauvoo Temple, built in the 1840s. Only three of the original thirty capitals survive intact, and this piece is on loan from the State of Illinois.
Walk a hallway lined with paintings by French artist James Tissot, illustrating scenes of the Savior at the temple, connecting Nauvoo’s history to a deeper devotion to Jesus Christ.
Learn why the Lord called Nauvoo a “cornerstone of Zion” in Doctrine and Covenants 124 as you go through this exhibit describing Nauvoo’s early years.
This exhibit tells the story of Nauvoo as a gathering place, a temple city, and a covenant community—where the fullness of temple ordinances, including baptism for the dead, the endowment, and the marriage sealing ordinance, were first restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Through historic artifacts, a circa-1846 map of the city, and thoughtful narration, discover how the sacrifices of the early Saints in Nauvoo continue to bless the Lord’s people today.
Temples hold a special place in the faith and practice of Latter-day Saints around the world.
See a replica of the original Nauvoo Temple’s weather vane and spire, along with a depiction of the temple’s baptismal font built with an original stone from the first temple.
A dedicated space where family members explore the exhibits at their own pace and take home some fun drawings.
Just steps away at the Nauvoo FamilySearch Center, discover records and tools to help you find your ancestors and preserve your family’s story.
Our Visitors’ Center features a 236-seat theater showing a newly produced film depicting the sacrifices early Saints made to build the original Nauvoo Temple so they could receive sacred ordinances before their journey west.
The film brings to life how the Savior worked among His people as they strove to live as a covenant community in Nauvoo.
Theater Seats
Languages
Photos can only capture so much. Come experience the peace, beauty, and inspiration of our exhibits for yourself. Admission is always free.
