- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commenced a public open house for its new Harare Zimbabwe Temple on Monday, January 19, 2026.
- The open house offers a rare opportunity for the public to tour the interior of the sacred building before its official dedication.
- A media day was held on January 19, with invited guests scheduled for tours on January 20 and 21, 2026.
- The temple dedication by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is set for March 1, 2026.
The Harare Zimbabwe Temple represents a significant spiritual and architectural milestone for Latter-day Saints in the region. Situated in Harare, the temple’s design incorporates elements that pay homage to Zimbabwean culture, notably featuring the national flame lily in its stained-glass windows and other native flora throughout its art and rug designs. This meticulous attention to local heritage underscores the Church’s commitment to integrating into the communities where its temples are built.
The construction of the temple aligns with a global initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to build more temples worldwide, providing sacred spaces for its members to engage in worship and make covenants. President Dallin H. Oaks noted in 2024 that the purpose of these temples is to bless God’s covenant children with unique blessings and responsibilities tied to Christ.
With 383 temples dedicated, under construction, or announced globally, the Harare temple contributes to the growing number of such edifices. The public open house period, running from January 22 through February 7, 2026, excluding Sundays, allows community members of all faiths to experience the beauty and serenity of the temple before its formal dedication and restricted entry.
Timeline
- January 19, 2026: Media day held for the Harare Zimbabwe Temple open house.
- January 20-21, 2026: Invited guests scheduled to tour the temple.
- January 22 – February 7, 2026: Public open house period for the temple (excluding Sundays).
- March 1, 2026: Temple dedication by Elder Gerrit W. Gong.
Key Players
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Religious organization constructing and operating the temple.
- Elder Gerrit W. Gong: Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, scheduled to dedicate the temple.
- Local Community: The primary beneficiaries and attendees of the open house.
