Tucson Arizona Temple, Latter-day Saints temple in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, United States
The Tucson Arizona Temple is a modern structure featuring a distinctive dome instead of traditional steeples, reflecting southwestern architectural character. The building sits on a seven-acre property at the base of the Catalina Mountains.
Thomas S. Monson announced the temple on October 6, 2012, making it Arizona's sixth, after Mesa, Snowflake, Gila Valley, Gilbert and Phoenix. The site on N Skyline Drive was named on August 7, 2015, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf presided at the groundbreaking that October 17. After a public open house from June 3 to 24, 2017, Uchtdorf dedicated the building on August 13, 2017, in three sessions.
The interior follows a Southwestern Art Deco theme in red and orange, colours chosen to evoke the desert sun. Art glass and recessed panels carry stylised patterns of ocotillo, prickly pear cactus and red cactus flowers. The dome was modelled on that of the 1920s Pima County Courthouse. Since dedication, only members holding a current temple recommend may enter.
The location in the northern hills of Tucson is accessible from Skyline Drive and sits within a desert landscape setting. Visitors should prepare for heat and check opening times in advance, as the spaces are reserved for specific religious gatherings.
The dome is modelled on that of the 1920s Pima County Courthouse, and the building was kept lower than many other LDS temples because of local zoning rules. Recessed exterior panels carry a stylized ocotillo cactus pattern, and the art glass shows native flora.
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