It has been a feature of Christmases in Sydney for 22 years, and now it is even better. This year, the Australian headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) in Carlingford features 140,000 Christmas lights, a huge life-sized Nativity scene, “The Life of Jesus Christ in Art” exhibit, newly added original local art and a new video of the life of Christ.
Since 1990, what has come to be known as Temple Hill has been transformed from its former role as a boys' home to award-winning gardens and the Church's well-loved Christmas display. In December, the grounds become one of the most recognised of Sydney's attractions and are visited by thousands of people.
- Sydney Temple
- Sydney Temple with Christmas Lights
- Sydney Temple
- Christmas Nativity
- Sydney Temple
- Christmas Art Exhibit
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Two years ago, the Nativity scene underwent a major renewal and now includes a huge image of the Christus, one of the most significant statues in Christendom. It was originally sculptured by Danish artist, Bertel Thorvaldsen, in the early 1800s, and still remains in the Copenhagen church where Tasmania's Princess Mary was married to Prince Frederik of Denmark.
As part of the Christmas offerings, a unique international art exhibition, including the works of Bloch, Hoffman, Anderson and Rane, is on display at historic Buckland House, now part of the Sydney Church grounds. The exhibition, valued at thousands of dollars, features world famous paintings of the life of Christ, from before his birth to his Second Coming. Appearing for the first time, the exhibit includes a small collection of original local art by Australian Artists.
The new video used at the art exhibit is taken from two of the Church’s newly produced, high definition Life of Jesus Christ films. The films bring to life the biblical accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry and were filmed at a movie studio in Utah’s desert. The studio’s sets were designed to look like ancient Israel. So far 38 videos have been produced with more planned or in production.
Located at the corner of Pennant Hills Road and Moseley Street, Carlingford, the spectacular lighting display and Nativity is available to be viewed every night throughout December from dusk until dawn. The Life of Jesus Christ in Art exhibit is open seven days a week from 7 to 10pm. Parking is available on the Church grounds and on Moseley Street.