Papeete Tahiti Temple Pictures
The Papeete Temple graces the commune of Pirae in the urban area of Papeete — the capital of French Polynesia — its striking blue roof and meticulously manicured tropical gardens making it one of the most distinctive and visually beautiful temples in the Church. The first temple built in French Polynesia and the fifth in Polynesia, it was dedicated in 1983 and rededicated in 2006 after an extensive expansion. Our collection of Papeete Tahiti Temple pictures, art prints, and paintings captures this remarkable Pacific temple in a range of styles and sizes.
About the Papeete Tahiti Temple
Under the direction of President Spencer W. Kimball, the Papeete Temple was dedicated October 27–29, 1983 by President Gordon B. Hinckley, then second counselor in the First Presidency, making it the 26th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the first ever built in French Polynesia. Before its dedication, Tahitian members crossed 2,500 miles of the Pacific Ocean to attend the Hamilton New Zealand Temple — a remarkable demonstration of faith and sacrifice. Tahiti's second stake was organized just a year before the dedication, reflecting the rapid growth of the Church across the islands of French Polynesia. During the ten-day open house, over 16,000 visitors toured the building — a substantial number relative to the local population. The original plan for Polynesia had called for a single regional temple in Pago Pago, American Samoa, announced in 1977 — but in 1980, President Kimball replaced that plan with three smaller, closer temples in Apia, Nuku'alofa, and Papeete, bringing sacred worship within reach of each island group.
The temple closed in August 2005 for an extensive expansion and remodeling project that significantly enlarged the building and refreshed both its exterior and interior. President Hinckley — who had dedicated the original temple 23 years earlier — rededicated the expanded building in November 2006 in a ceremony that drew members from throughout French Polynesia. During the open house preceding the rededication, 36,800 people toured the renovated building — more than double the original open house attendance. The Papeete Temple's grounds, with their winding sidewalks amid lush tropical foliage, are open to the public and serve as a cherished gathering place for members and visitors alike. A second temple in French Polynesia — the Uturoa French Polynesia Temple — has been announced on the island of Raiatea, which will serve the outer island communities of the archipelago. The Papeete Temple currently serves 11 stakes throughout French Polynesia.
Papeete Temple Photos, Art & Prints
The Papeete Temple's striking blue roof, tropical gardens, and the vivid colors of French Polynesia surrounding it make it one of the most visually distinctive temples in the entire Church. The warm Pacific light, the lush tropical vegetation, and the extraordinary natural beauty of Tahiti create photography conditions unlike anywhere else in the Latter-day Saint world. Our collection features photography and fine art capturing the temple in the luminous beauty of French Polynesia.
Papeete Temple prints make a meaningful and inspirational gift for members throughout French Polynesia and the broader Pacific — and for anyone with a connection to or love for this breathtaking corner of the world. Perfect for weddings, mission homecomings, new homes, and other milestone occasions.