Celebrating Temple B’nai Israel

Pilar: The Beautiful Land of My Reality

JULY 24, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2026

The Salt Lake Art Museum celebrates the history of our location, the historic Temple B’nai Israel. This temple, the oldest existing synagogue in Salt Lake City, was built in 1890 and termed “an ornament to the city.” Over eight decades, it served as a place of worship and community for Jewish residents. This exhibition highlights Temple B’nai Israel’s long history, the ways in which it shaped Jewish identity in the state, and the memories of its congregants.

“This was a building where I felt pride in my religion, where people who were

immigrants felt comfortable being here, and where we learned about Judaism.

This was the first institution here for Jews–this was the first place Jews really

had a gathering home of their own…and that was so important, not just to

the history of the Jews, but to the history of our state.”

– Patrice Arnent, Former