LDS Conference Center

In the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah, stands a modern marvel of architectural and spiritual significance: the LDS Conference Center. This grand edifice, completed in 2000, serves as the primary meeting hall for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). With a seating capacity of 21,200, it has become an iconic venue for the church's biannual general conference, as well as other major gatherings, devotionals, and events.

The Magnificent Main Auditorium

The main auditorium of the Conference Center is a sight to behold. Spanning 1.4 million square feet, it is designed to accommodate a vast audience with every seat offering an unobstructed view of the pulpit. This feat is achieved through the use of radial trusses that support the roof, eliminating the need for columns that would otherwise obstruct views. The balcony, supported by a series of 34 cantilevers, can sink slightly under full capacity, showcasing the innovative engineering behind the structure.

One of the most striking features of the auditorium is the rostrum, which provides seating for general authorities and officers of the church, as well as the renowned 360-voice Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Behind the podium, a majestic 7,708-pipe and 130-rank Schoenstein pipe organ stands as a testament to the building's grandeur. This organ is not only a visual marvel but also an auditory delight, capable of producing a monumental amount of sound to fill the vast space.

Exploring the Conference Center

Beyond the main auditorium, the Conference Center offers a plethora of intriguing features for visitors to explore. On the third floor, busts of current and past church presidents, as well as photographs of church leaders, including female leaders added in 2014, provide a glimpse into the history and leadership of the LDS Church. This floor serves as a tribute to the individuals who have shaped the church's direction over the years.

Attached to the main building on the northwest corner is the Conference Center Theater, a 900-seat venue that can be used as a dedicated theater or as an overflow room during major events. This theater adds a layer of versatility to the Conference Center, allowing it to host a variety of performances and gatherings.

The Rooftop Garden

One of the most unique aspects of the Conference Center is its rooftop garden. Covering approximately 3 acres, this landscaped area is an extension of the Gardens at Temple Square. The garden features a variety of native grasses, trees, and plants, designed to conserve water and showcase local foliage. The central garden includes rectangular planters of aspen and conifers, with long runnels and basins of water that echo the mountains and meadows of Utah. This green space not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also provides a serene retreat for visitors.

Architectural and Construction Marvels

The design and construction of the Conference Center were monumental undertakings. The design was accomplished by the Portland, Oregon-based Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership, with Auerbach & Associates of San Francisco responsible for theater design and architectural lighting. The project was announced in 1996 by then-church president Gordon B. Hinckley, and construction began in 1997, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Mormon pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley.

The building's exterior is clad in slabs of quartz monzonite, a form of granite, to match the rock used in the nearby Salt Lake Temple. This granite was quarried from Little Cottonwood Canyon, despite some controversy and legal challenges. The construction process faced its own set of challenges, including a tornado in 1999 that toppled cranes at the work site. Nevertheless, the Conference Center was completed in time for the 170th annual general conference in April 2000, with the formal dedication taking place in October of the same year.

The Schoenstein Organ

The Schoenstein organ within the Conference Center is internationally significant, not only for its role in accompanying choirs during conferences but also for its unique features. It is one of the few organs in the world with registers of pipes extending down into the 64' series, producing notes that are 13 semitones below the lowest note on a standard piano. The tallest pipe used to produce this note is approximately 40 feet tall. The organ also boasts full-compass manual 32' reed and flute registers, double expression, and many heroic voices on high pressure, making it a true masterpiece of musical engineering.

In conclusion, the LDS Conference Center is more than just a meeting hall; it is a symbol of architectural innovation, spiritual significance, and community gathering. Whether you are attending a general conference, exploring the rooftop garden, or marveling at the Schoenstein organ, a visit to the Conference Center is an unforgettable experience that offers a deeper understanding of the LDS Church and its rich heritage.