Visitors to California may like to take a tour of a unique and interesting example of modern church architecture.
Oakland California’s Mormon Temple has had a stunning makeover. Image: Intellectual Reserve
They’ll have to act quickly though, as the newly-renovated Oakland California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is only open to the public until June 1. It originally opened in 1964 and closed in October 2017 for the extensive renovation.
Oakland California’s Mormon Temple is open to the public until June 1. Image: Intellectual Reserve
The original architect, Harold W. Burton, drew on his lifetime of designing Latter-day Saint buildings, while simultaneously incorporating the best of modern design prevalent in the 1960s.
The Richardson Design Partnership was the architectural firm responsible for the renovation design of the 80,157 sq ft building, which was carried out by Jacobsen Construction Company. The exterior of the building is faced with Sierra White granite, and has the appearance of having been carved from a single monolithic stone.
The bridal room at the Oaklands California temple. Image: Intellectual Reserve
The five-spire design hints at buildings of far-eastern origins, such as the Taj Mahal in India and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and it reflects the diversity of the residents in the area. The public also can ascend stairs to an outdoor terrace that offers panoramic views of San Francisco Bay.
The temple’s interior materials come from around the world. Image: Intellectual Reserve
The temple is set on 18.1 acres and The Land Group took care of the landscape architecture. It includes a long cascading waterfall and reflecting pool, a formal, walled courtyard and roof-terrace garden. Visitors will now enter the building by walking under the waterfall to access the front door.
The public is invited to tour the Oakland California Temple until June 1. Image: Intellectual Reserve
Jayna Nicole Design and Gloria Hayley Interior Design took care of the interior design, which is carefully restrained in its ornamentation. The temple’s interior materials come from around the world, and each one used has been minimally altered and finished to show its intrinsic beauty.
The exterior of the temple is faced with Sierra White granite. Image: Intellectual Reserve
The public is invited to tour the temple until Saturday, June 1, but it will be closed on Sunday, May 26. Reservations for free tours can be made here.
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