Groundbreaking of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple
In his native country, Elder Joaquin E. Costa — a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the South America South Area presidency — presided at the groundbreaking of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple on April 9, 2022. Latter-day Saints were joined at the event, which was invitation only, by community members and civic leaders.
“We thank the authorities of the different governments through the many years that the gospel has been shared here,” Elder Costa, born in Concordia, Argentina, said in his remarks. “We are grateful for the tolerance and openness to receive missionaries, allow construction and provide a safe environment for the restored Church of Jesus Christ to grow in Bahía Blanca and southern Argentina.”
The Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple is scheduled to be dedicated Nov. 23, 2025, by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Timeline of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple
The Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple was announced on April 5, 2020, by Church President Russell M. Nelson. The groundbreaking ceremony for this sacred edifice, where members can perform ordinances and make covenants, was held April 9, 2022, and presided over by Elder Joaquin E. Costa, second counselor in the South America South Area presidency.
After a public open house from Oct. 16 to Nov. 1, 2025, the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple will be dedicated Nov. 23, 2025, by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Architecture and Design of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple
A single-story building of about 23,400 square feet, the Bahía Blanca temple is made of concrete and structural steel, clad with Portuguese Moleanos limestone. The edifice draws inspiration from other religious and historical architectural designs in the region — like its carved stone exterior and gray mara granite base inspired by the city’s historic main plaza.
Art-glass windows showcase the jarilla flower, native to the region, and incorporate geometric patterns found in design motifs throughout the temple. Crema Marfil marble and Cenia Beige stone are used in the flooring, with colorful custom rugs adorning the entryway, bridal room and celestial room.
Surrounding the temple, various trees, shrubs and perennial plants native to Argentina adorn the gardens. A two-story auxiliary building also stands on the 8-acre property, serving as the temple’s arrival center and a residence for temple leaders.
Interior Photos of the Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple
