By admin 
For a limited time, Central Valley residents can step inside one of the region’s most sacred religious spaces — a temple that will soon close its doors to the general public.
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The new Modesto Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened for free public tours Friday, offering a rare glimpse inside the religious sanctuary at 4310 Dale Road before access becomes restricted to eligible church members.
Unlike traditional church meetinghouses, temples are reserved for some of the faith’s most important religious ceremonies, including marriages, baptisms, confirmations and other ordinances. Typically, only church members who have received authorization from their religious leaders are allowed to enter a dedicated temple.
However, when a new temple is built or an existing temple undergoes major renovations — as with the historic Salt Lake City Temple — there is a period of time before it is “dedicated” into a sacred place, during which the wider community is allowed inside.
The Modesto Temple will be open for tours through Saturday, Oct. 31, except Sundays. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays. No reservations are required.
What is it like inside the LDS Modesto Temple?
The new temple’s spire peeks above neighboring churches and businesses as you approach Dale Road, coming into full view as you enter the parking lot.
On Monday morning, visitors of all ages lined the building’s courtyard, waiting for their chance to step inside.
In groups of 20, visitors shuffle past young church members who slip disposable coverings over their shoes before they enter.
Inside the waiting room — the only area accessible to visitors without special authorization after the temple is dedicated — ushers and volunteers guide groups through the building, explaining the significance of its rooms and religious traditions.
Volunteers also remind guests that photography and video recording are prohibited inside the temple, but a photo gallery is available on the church’s website.
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Throughout the temple, the decor is understated, with paintings of Jesus Christ and scenes from the Bible adorning the walls and hallways. Many of the church’s more than 200 temples worldwide incorporate design elements inspired by their surrounding communities.
In Modesto, railroad tracks, almond blossoms and strawberry plants appear in paintings and stained-glass windows, paying tribute to the Central Valley’s agricultural and railroad heritage.
The tour begins in the temple’s baptistry, where a large baptismal font stands in the center of the room. Baptisms performed in the temple are conducted on behalf of people who have died, a practice known as baptism for the dead. Church members participate in these proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased individuals who were not baptized into the faith during their lifetimes.
Groups continue through other significant spaces, including the sealing room, where couples are married and families are united for eternity through religious ceremonies; the bride’s room, where women prepare for their weddings; and the celestial room, which symbolizes heaven.
The celestial room is considered one of the faith’s most sacred spaces and provides a quiet setting for prayer and reflection.
After the roughly 45-minute tour, visitors pass another group of church members who remove their disposable shoe coverings. Many families linger on the grounds, chatting with fellow church members and posing for photographs outside the temple’s white exterior — the only place photography is permitted.
After the public open house ends, the Modesto Temple will close for final preparations ahead of its formal dedication Sunday, Nov. 22.
This story was originally published October 20, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline “Modesto LDS temple opens for tours. Here’s what it’s like inside the new space.”
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