Programs & Events

Eventbrite page for a listing of all upcoming events, like our Pioneer Fair, Evenings at the Museum lecture series, Christmas activities, and more.

First Vision Theater

Step into the Sacred Grove, and experience the marvelous events of Joseph Smith’s First Vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ, beautifully depicted in our immersive, cinematic theater on a 240-degree semicircular screen. The film plays every 10–15 minutes. No tickets or reservations are needed.

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Auditorium Programs

These interactive, game-show-type programs are specifically designed for youth and other groups. They are held in the lower-level auditorium and introduce patrons to The Heavens Are Opened exhibit. Request a showing for your group by submitting a Group Reservation Request Form or by calling 801-240-3310 at least one week in advance. You may also ask the information desk upon arrival for available showtimes.

Museum Detective

Do you have what it takes to be a museum detective and unlock the mysteries of Church history? In this 30-minute program, you’ll put your detective skills to the test and discover intriguing details about artifacts, documents, and artwork on display in “The Heavens Are Opened” exhibit.

Ask of God

In this 15-minute program, you’ll learn about Joseph Smith’s early life and events leading up to his prayer and vision in the Sacred Grove. Join us as we follow Joseph on his quest for religious truth and set the stage for “The Heavens Are Opened” exhibit. This program is best for younger audiences.

Gallery Programs

Keep an eye out for these fun, informal learning activities offered by our friendly docents. Ask the information desk when you arrive to see what’s scheduled to be on during your visit. Groups may also request gallery programs by submitting a Group Reservation Request Form or by calling 801-240-3310 at least one week in advance.

Activity Carts

Activity carts are mobile, interactive learning centers where you can reach out and touch the past. Current topics include:

– The Gold Plates
– The Book of Mormon Printing Press
– Pioneer Children’s Toys
– Portraits by Pantograph (Drawing)
– Paint a Postcard (Watercolor)

Gallery Talks

Gallery talks are 15-minute interactive presentations held in the galleries. Current topics include:

– Joseph Smith’s Childhood Farm
– Emma Smith and the First Hymn Book
– Joseph Smith’s Campaign for President of the United States.

Spotlights

Spotlights are short, unscheduled presentations highlighting some of our favorite artwork and artifacts here at the museum. Current topics include:

– Lucy Mack Smith’s Gold Bead
– The Original Book of Mormon Manuscript
– The First Missionaries
– Mary Elizabeth Rollins
– The Kirtland Temple
– Plat of Zion
– Vienna Jaques
– The Leonid Meteor Storm of 1833
– Zion’s Camp
– Healings in Nauvoo: The Red Handkerchief
– Early Missionaries to England
– Building the Nauvoo Temple
– The Penny Box: Donations for the Nauvoo Temple
– Joseph Smith and the Nauvoo Legion
– The Martyrdom
– Sutcliffe Maudsley’s Portraits of Emma Hale Smith, Lucy Mack Smith, and Mary Fielding Smith.