To enable further restoration of the Baha'i House of Worship and begin construction of the new Visitors Center, the lower level of the temple, which currently houses the Visitors Center, bookstore and restrooms, is closed to the public for approximately one year, from May 19, 2008, to May 2009. The auditorium (prayer hall), on the upper level of the House of Worship, remains open for prayers and meditation and guides continue to offer tours of the temple. (Call 847-853-2300 to arrange for group tours.)

During the partial closing, visitors enter the temple from the corner of Linden Avenue and Sheridan Road, walking along the reflecting pool before ascending the stairs to the auditorium.

There are a limited number of spaces in the temple parking lot to the west of the building. Parking on nearby streets is also available. Visitors are encouraged to use public transporation. (The last stop on the Chicago Transit Authority's Purple Line train is the Linden Avenue station in Wilmette, which is just three blocks west of the temple.)

Unfortunately, there are a few unavoidable circumstances which may affect your visit:

• We regret that no bathroom facilities are available at this time.
• Because the elevator in the Visitors Center is not available, access to the auditorium is by stairs only during this period. The gardens are wheelchair accessible.
• During the winter months, there are times when the House of Worship must be closed due to dangerous icy conditions on the steps. We advise calling the Baha'i Public Safety Office at (847) 853-2312 in advance of your visit to confirm that the Temple is open.
  
  
  We sincerely regret any inconvenience the partial closing presents to visitors.