You've seen it. If you have ever driven the Capital Beltway near Kensington, Maryland, you've seen those white marble spires poking out from the treeline like something straight out of a fantasy novel. People call it the "Surrender Dorothy" bridge tower or the "Oz" building. Honestly, it’s basically the most famous landmark in the D.C. area that most locals have never actually stepped inside.
The Washington D.C. LDS Temple is a massive, 160,000-square-foot mystery to a lot of people. It’s the tallest temple operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It stands 288 feet high. That is taller than the United States Capitol.
But there is a lot more to this place than just being a "big white building" on the side of the road. Between the recent massive renovations and the weird history of how the land was even acquired, it’s a site that carries a lot of weight. Not just religious weight—but historical and architectural weight too.
The Weird History of the Beltway Landmark
Most people assume the Church just bought a big plot of land and started digging. Not really. The 52-acre site has a history that reads like a Maryland property law textbook. It was once owned by a man who died on the Titanic. It was nearly a shopping mall.
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In the 1960s, a group of Jewish developers actually owned the land. They were planning a huge commercial complex with high-rises and a supermarket. J. Willard Marriott—yes, the hotel guy—was the one who pushed the Church to buy the spot. He saw the potential for it to be a literal beacon.
Here is the kicker: the developers actually turned down higher offers from other commercial buyers. They sold it to the Church at a discount because they respected the idea of building a temple. They felt a kinship in the "temple-building" tradition.
Construction finished in 1974. At the time, it cost $15 million. If you tried to build it today? You’re looking at well over $120 million. It was the first temple built east of the Mississippi since the 1840s. That’s a huge gap. It signaled that the Church wasn't just a "Utah thing" anymore.
What’s Actually Inside the Washington D.C. LDS Temple?
This is where the misconceptions start. Since the temple is closed to the general public for daily worship, people imagine all sorts of things. The truth is actually a lot more subdued and, frankly, beautiful.
The Marble is a Whole Story Itself
The exterior is Alabama white marble. It’s translucent. If you stand inside during a bright day, the light actually filters through the stone in some sections.
During the 2018-2022 renovation, they had a problem. They needed more marble to match the original, but the quarry in Sylacauga, Alabama, had been closed for decades. Luckily, the quarry reopened just in time. The new stone has this silver veining that eventually turns gold as it hits the air and sun. It’s meant to age into the building.
No Cathedral Spaces
Unlike a Catholic cathedral or a massive mosque, there isn't one giant "sanctuary" where everyone sits. It’s broken up into rooms.
- The Celestial Room: Think of this as a high-end, ultra-quiet lounge meant to represent heaven. No talking. Just prayer and meditation.
- Sealing Rooms: This is where marriages happen. They are small and intimate.
- The Baptistry: It features a font sitting on the backs of 12 life-sized oxen, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
The interior design is heavy on the "Gothic Arch" motif. You see it in the carpets, the door handles, and even the gold leafing on the ceilings. It’s all meant to point your eyes upward. Kind of a literal way of saying "look toward God."
Why the Recent Renovation Mattered
The temple was closed for four years. People were getting anxious. The renovation wasn't just a "fresh coat of paint" situation. They basically gutted the mechanical systems.
The original 1974 wiring and plumbing were, to put it mildly, tired. They replaced everything with energy-efficient systems. But the big change for visitors was the lighting. They installed high-end LED arrays behind the original stained glass. Now, when you see it from I-495 at night, the colors are way more vibrant.
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The 2022 open house was a massive deal. Over 340,000 people walked through. That included five Supreme Court justices and dozens of ambassadors. It was the first time in nearly 50 years that anyone without a "temple recommend" could see the interior.
Planning a Visit (What You Can and Can't Do)
You don't have to be a member of the Church to visit the grounds. Honestly, it’s one of the best free "hidden gems" in the D.C. area.
- The Visitors' Center: It’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It’s got a massive 11-foot statue of Christ and a detailed cutaway model of the temple so you can see the rooms without going inside.
- The Festival of Lights: If you’re here in December, this is non-negotiable. They string up hundreds of thousands of lights and have nightly concerts. It’s free. It’s crowded. It’s worth it.
- The Grounds: The landscaping is incredible. There are 52 acres of wooded paths, reflecting pools, and over 10,000 shrubs and perennials. It’s a great spot for photography, and they actually encourage it. Just don't bring a drone; they aren't fans of those for privacy reasons.
A Note on Entry
Just to be clear: you can’t go inside the actual temple building unless you are a member of the Church in good standing. But the Visitors' Center and the grounds are 100% open to everyone.
The Symbolism of the Six Spires
Ever notice how there are three spires on each side? That’s not just for symmetry. It’s a callback to the Salt Lake Temple.
The three spires on the east represent the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the three on the west represent the Aaronic Priesthood. The tallest spire reaches 288 feet and holds the gold-leafed statue of the Angel Moroni. Interestingly, not all new temples have these statues anymore, but the D.C. one is iconic for it.
The Washington D.C. LDS Temple stands as a bridge between the historical roots of the faith in the West and its international presence today. It’s a weird, beautiful, and slightly imposing piece of the Maryland skyline.
If you want to experience it without the crowds, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. The reflecting pool is usually still, and you can get that perfect shot of the white marble hitting the water.
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Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Event Calendar: Before heading out, look at the official Visitors' Center site for any choir performances or special exhibits in the auditorium.
- Metro Access: Use the Forest Glen Metro station; the Church often runs a free shuttle from there to the temple grounds during peak seasons or major events.
- Photography: Bring a wide-angle lens. The building is so tall that it is surprisingly hard to fit the whole thing in a standard phone frame from the main courtyard.