As the Arequipa Peru Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prepares for a public open house, the first photographs of the interior have been released.
A stylized version of the Flor de Texao Arequipa, is used in many places throughout the temple — in the carved hardwood, art glass windows, metal fixtures, stonework and flooring decorative painting.
The Flor de Texao Arequipa is also featured in the art glass window panels on the exterior of the temple. Of special note are the large windows on the landing and at both central axes of the structure.
In addition to white and cream carpets, interior floors feature Perlantino marble tiling from Italy as well as multi-colored woolen area rugs from China.
The temple’s walls and corridors are adorned with giclee prints of familiar and beloved artwork depicting the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
A Spanish-style water fountain near the main entrance of the temple is of similar design to those seen in other plazas and courtyards of Arequipa.
The landscape design highlights a mixture of grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees native to the region that beautify the gardens surrounding the temple. Among the many plants found in the gardens are the cantuta, the national flower of Peru; the queñua, a small Andean tree found at higher elevations; and the achupaya, traditionally used in Incan handicrafts. There are dozens of additional flowering trees, evergreens and palms.
The free open house begins on Friday, November 15, and continues through Saturday, November 30, 2019. The temple will be closed on Sundays during that time, November 17 and 24. The tour hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. No reservations are needed.
The temple will be dedicated by President Russell M. Nelson on Sunday, December 15, 2019, and a youth devotional will be held on Saturday, December 14.
Patrons will be able to enter the temple on Thursday, December 19.
This news release was provided by the Church Newsroom.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
