Groundbreaking of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple
The groundbreaking of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple was presided over by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Nov. 8, 2018. Elder Andersen dedicated the site with a prayer in French, the official language of Ivory Coast. Elder Andersen’s wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, also spoke to the congregation in French.
“Today is a sacred day, a holy day, a day that will long be remembered in the records kept in heaven and by the Saints of God here in the Ivory Coast,” said Elder Andersen at the event. “... The building of this temple means that the restored kingdom of God will be established here in Abidjan and throughout the Ivory Coast until the Savior returns to the earth, and that there will be covenant people here to receive Him when He returns.”
The Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple is scheduled to be dedicated May 25, 2025, by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Timeline of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple
The Abidjan temple was announced April 5, 2015, by President Thomas S. Monson. The groundbreaking and site dedication were held on Nov. 8, 2018, and presided over by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
After a public open house from May 1 to May 17, 2025, the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple will be dedicated May 25, 2025, by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Architecture and Design of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple
The Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple, on a 3.23-acre site, is a two-level concrete structure of about 17,360 square feet. A zinc-covered metal spire and the Angel Moroni statue atop — finished with palladium leaf to match the spire’s color — reach more than 85 feet from the ground. The temple’s color scheme is a calming combination of blues, greens and purples, with the touches of magenta accents said to represent the vibrancy of the Abidjan community.
The designs and motifs feature the patterns and designs of local Indigenous people, the local culture and the building’s mid-century modern style. They include simple geometric shapes in repeated patterns; clean, angular lines; and textures created by repeated vertical, angled lines in a style known as raking.
The flooring has stone sourced from Spain and Brazil as well as modular carpet tiles, walk-off tiles and nylon rugs, the last of which in the entry, celestial room, bride’s room and sealing rooms. The art-glass design features motifs based on local tribal designs, and the doors, doorframes and millwork are made of sapele mahogany native to Africa.
Interior Photos of the Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple
