Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple Open House Begins May 1
The Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple—the first house of the Lord in West Africa—opens its doors to the public from Thursday, May 1 through Saturday, May 17 (closed Sundays). Free tours give Ivorians and visitors an unprecedented look inside a building normally reserved for Latter-day Saint ordinances. The temple will be dedicated on Sunday, May 25, 2025, by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Why Temples Matter to Latter-day Saints
Temples are considered “houses of the Lord,” distinct from regular Sunday meetinghouses. Inside, Church members make sacred covenants, participate in eternal marriage sealings, and perform proxy ordinances on behalf of deceased ancestors. An open house offers the only chance for the general public—regardless of faith—to see the artwork, craftsmanship, and sacred symbolism up close before the building is formally dedicated.
Key Dates & Times
- Media Day: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- VIP/Interfaith Tours: April 30, 2025
- Public Open House: May 1 – May 17, 2025 (Mondays–Saturdays, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.)
- Temple Dedication: Sunday, May 25, 2025 (three dedicatory sessions)
How to Reserve Free Tickets
Tour slots are booked in 10-minute increments through the Church’s Temple Open House portal. Simply choose your preferred date and time, enter the number in your party (up to 25), and print or screenshot the QR code that arrives by email. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows, but pre-booking guarantees entry and reduces wait times.
What to Expect on the Tour
- Introductory Video (5 min): Overview of temple purpose and West African Church growth.
- Guided Walk-Through (25 min): Includes the grand foyer, instruction room murals depicting local Côte d’Ivoire landscapes, the baptistry’s carved cherry-wood font, and the celestial room crowned by a crystal chandelier.
- Post-Tour Exhibits (10 min): Genealogy booth, temple-clothing display, and Q&A tables staffed by local members.
Dress Code & Reverence Tips
Guests are encouraged to wear modest, respectful clothing similar to what one might choose for a wedding or Sunday service. Photography is welcome outside the temple but prohibited inside. Please silence phones and speak softly to maintain a reverent atmosphere.
Parking, Accessibility & Language Services
On-site parking is free, with overflow lots at the nearby Yopougon meetinghouse. The tour route is wheelchair-accessible, and sign-language interpreters plus tour materials in French, English, and eight regional languages (including Baoulé and Dioula) are available upon request.
A Milestone for West Africa
Membership in Côte d’Ivoire has surged from fewer than 200 in 1988 to over 70 000 today. The Abidjan Temple will reduce multi-day travel for members who previously journeyed to Accra, Ghana, for temple worship. Civic leaders anticipate a tourism boost as visitors travel to the city’s Abatta neighborhood during the open-house period.
Bottom Line
If you live in—or plan to visit—the Ivory Coast this May, the Abidjan Temple open house is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural and spiritual experience. Reserve your free tickets early, arrive in respectful attire, and enjoy a peaceful glimpse inside one of the faith’s most sacred spaces before it closes to public view.
