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 and bookstore, will be 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, will remain open for prayers and meditation. The elevator to the auditorium will not be available so access to the auditorium will be by stairs only during this period. The gardens are wheelchair accessible. Guides will continue to offer tours of the temple, and restrooms will be available.

During the partial closing, visitors will 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 will be a limited number of spaces in the temple parking lot to the west of the building. Parking on nearby streets also will be available. In addition, visitors are encouraged to take the Purple Line or Metra to the Linden station.

We regret any inconvenience the partial closing may present to visitors.