Baha'i House of Worship for North America

Admission is free. Hours:
The Sanctuary and Gardens - 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, year round.
The Welcome Center and Bookstore - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily; 10:00 am to 8:00 pm during the summer.

One of only seven Baha'i temples in the world at present, this unique structure symbolizes unity and invites prayer to God. The quiet serenity of the Baha'i House of Worship reflects the spiritual truths of the Baha'i Faith: the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity and the oneness of religion. Like all Baha'i Houses of Worship, the temple in Wilmette is circular in shape, has nine sides and is surrounded by exquisite gardens and fountains.

Devotional Programs are held daily in the auditorium at 9:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. These brief programs consist of readings from the Baha’i sacred texts and scriptures of other world religions. No talks or sermons are delivered, and no elaborate ceremonies practiced. Since the Baha’i Faith has no clergy, no one person leads devotional programs. Instead, invited readers, who may be adherents of any religion, recite or chant the holy scriptures. Sunday programs sometimes feature music from the House of Worship Choir and chanting in various languages. Only music based on words of holy scripture and sung a cappella by a choir or soloists is used in the auditorium; recorded and instrumental music are not permitted there.

The House of Worship Choir sings a cappella music at the 12:30 devotional program on most Sundays.

Prayers in Spanish are offered on the first Sunday of each month at 2:30 pm.

Introductory talks on the Bahá’í Faith are held every Sunday in the Visitors Center of the Bahá’í House of Worship. The talks commence at 1:00 pm, immediately after the 12:30 pm devotional program in the Temple’s auditorium. All are welcome to attend. Call: 847-853-2300 for further information.

Due to construction work at the House of Worship, the main Baha’i House of Worship Visitors Parking Lot will be closed until further notice. However, there are nearby parking options. We regret that only the gardens are wheelchair accessible at this time.

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