//
Home to hundreds of puppets and marionettes from around the world and features a collection from the world's largest puppet factory in neighboring KC, owned and operated by famous puppeteer Hazelle Rollins. Visitors can also watch a movie, use the puppet resource library and see changing displays. Children can choose a puppet head from the now-closed factory inventory, paint it with professional puppet paint, attach a body, and stage an impromptu performance on one of the institute's stages. Monthly professional puppet shows are also offered.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Just west of the Temple Lot. This memorial features a beautiful sculpture of a young girl releasing a dove to symbolize the hopes and dreams represented by the United Nations. It is billed as the only monument in the U.S. dedicated specifically to peace outside of the UN's headquarters in New York.
Inside the Auditorium's west entrance. It contains a number of exhibits designed to teach concepts of personal peace, social peace, international peace, and environmental peace to children ages 12 and under.
It was constructed during the late 1800s, and serves a local Community of Christ congregation. Beautiful stained-glass windows and woodwork.
A grassy field dedicated in 1831 by Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons") together with several smaller organizations claiming to be the legitimate continuation of that church. No temple has ever been constructed on this site, though the Community of Christ has built one across the street which the Utah LDS and other sects do not accept as legitimate. The vast majority of the world's Latter-day Saints believe that this particular piece of land, which is owned by the tiny Church of Christ-Temple Lot, will one day be the site of their most important spiritual edifice. Tours and information are available at the white church building located on the lot, which is the world headquarters of its current owners.
Describes the roles played by Latter-day Saints during the early and tempestuous history of Independence. Offers flat screen visual presentations showing the arrival of early Saints, revelations, and their pioneer lives. Also offers rare artifacts and exhibits documenting the history and beliefs of the Mormons, together with information on the adjacent Temple Lot. Free guided tours daily.
Constructed from 1990-94, sits adjacent to the original "Temple Lot," and clearly dominates the city skyline. Designed by famed Japanese architect Gyo Obata, the edifice evokes the spiral shell of the Nautilus by using a stainless steel spire that rises 300 ft (91 m). Unlike temples of the larger LDS church, the Community of Christ's sacred structure is always open to non-members. Its main sanctuary features a Casavant pipe organ with 60 stops, 102 ranks, and 5685 pipes; recitals are held daily during June, July, and August (and Sundays only the rest of the year). Also held daily is a Prayer for Peace, which the public is encouraged to attend.