An open house is currently underway for the recently completed Abidjan Côte d’Ivoire Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

To begin the open house events, a media day for the Abidjan Côte d’Ivoire Temple was held on Monday, April 28, 2025. Invited guests toured the temple on Tuesday, April 29, and Wednesday, April 30, 2025. A public open house will run from Thursday, May 1, through Saturday, May 17, excluding Sundays. Everyone is welcome to attend this unique opportunity.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate the temple in a single session on Sunday, May 25, 2025. The dedicatory session will be broadcast live to all congregations in the temple district.

“Without a doubt, the temple is truly the house of the Lord. This temple is God’s answer to countless prayers offered in faith by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It marks the end of long road trips to the Accra, Ghana Temple. The temple is a shining symbol of divine light and knowledge. It is a sacred place of learning and comfort, where the soul is strengthened and can find peace and joy in the Lord,” said Alfred Kyungu, President of the Church’s Africa West Area, during the press conference.

Surrounded by several media outlets and standing in the shadow of the temple, Elder Kevin R. Duncan, General Authority Seventy and Executive Director of the Church’s Temple Department, responded to detailed questions about the purpose of temples, the blessings they bring, and the difference between temples and meetinghouses around the world.

When asked for a final message, he said:

“Welcome everyone! Please come to the temple— as many of you as can make it, and as many times as you would like. We want people to see and feel the Spirit that is here.”

Former Church President Thomas S. Monson announced the Abidjan Temple during the April 2015 General Conference.

“When I think of temples, my thoughts turn to the many blessings we receive there. As we walk through the temple doors, we leave behind the distractions and confusion of the world. Within this sacred sanctuary, we find beauty and order. There is rest for our souls and respite from the cares of our lives,” he once said.

Côte d’Ivoire has seen remarkable growth in Church membership. The Church was established in the country in 1987, and the first stake was formed in 1997. Today, there are 32 stakes and districts and 265 congregations, serving over 67,000 members nationwide.

Initially, many Ivorian Saints sacrificed greatly to travel to Europe or South Africa to receive temple ordinances. Following the dedication of the Accra Ghana Temple in 2004, Ivorian Saints became known for their commitment to family history and temple work. They regularly organized group trips to the temple, often bringing their own family names and serving as ordinance workers.

During the open house, visitors are invited to learn more about the purpose of temples and why they are central to the faith of Latter-day Saints. Once the temple is dedicated, only faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may enter to worship, serve, and perform sacred ordinances.

Members of the Church regard temples as the “house of the Lord”, the most sacred places on earth. Temple worship binds families for eternity, teaches the purpose of life, and reveals God’s plan of salvation. Regular temple attendance fosters personal spiritual growth and strengthens members' commitment to follow Jesus Christ.