The Harare Zimbabwe Temple, a significant new landmark of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is set to open its doors to the public. After five years of construction, the temple will welcome visitors from January 22 to February 7, 2026, excluding Sundays. This long-awaited event allows community members the opportunity to explore the sacred space before its formal dedication.
Open House Details
The public open house is part of a series of anticipated events. A media day will take place on January 19, 2026, featuring tours led by prominent church leaders, including Elder Vai Sikahema and Elder Erich W. Kopischke. These representatives will guide invited guests through the temple on January 20 and 21.
Dedication Ceremony
Following the open house, Elder Gerrit W. Gong will dedicate the Harare Zimbabwe Temple on March 1, 2026. The dedication session is scheduled for 10 a.m.local time and will be rebroadcast at 2 p.m. This temple will be notable as the first dedicated house of the Lord in Zimbabwe and the 214th operating temple worldwide.
Architectural Features
Located at 65 Enterprise Road, Harare, this temple features a single-story structure that spans 17,250 square feet. The exterior design incorporates Golden Wheat travertine bricks. Aesthetically, it reflects local architecture and indigenous cultural motifs, particularly simple triangular patterns and floral designs.
Interior Elements
- The art glass displays the national flower, the flame lily.
- Interior design includes sculpted carpets in neutral tones featuring geometric and floral elements.
- Materials such as porcelain tile and Turkish stone enhance the temple’s elegance.
Historical Context
The announcement for the Harare Zimbabwe Temple came on April 3, 2016, by then-Church President Thomas S. Monson. Ground was broken for its construction on December 12, 2020, during a socially-distanced ceremony attended by local leaders.
Community Impact
This temple is poised to serve not just local congregants but also members from neighboring countries, showcasing the faith of Latter-day Saints throughout the region. Currently, the Latter-day Saints community in Zimbabwe comprises around 49,600 members across 116 congregations.
Nearby Temples
Harare’s temple joins eight other dedicated temples in Africa, including locations in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Johannesburg South Africa Temple, which has served Zimbabwe’s members for years, is about a 14-hour drive away.
The opening of the Harare Zimbabwe Temple represents a significant moment for the church and the faithful in the region. As the first temple in Zimbabwe, it symbolizes growth and opportunity for Latter-day Saints throughout southern Africa.
