This original budget would allow for a small building that could house an informational area and restrooms for visitors.  However, it soon became apparent to both the National Spiritual Assembly and the Visitors Center architectural team that a larger facility would be necessary to accommodate the increasing number of visitors to the Temple each year, as well as the anticipated large-scale growth of the Bahá'í community in the not so distant future. 

The Bahá'í House of Worship in Wilmette welcomes a quarter of a million visitors each year from around the world, a number that will only continue to rapidly increase. A larger facility design was adopted by the National Assembly in order to meet both the current and future needs of the Temple.  In addition to the obvious need for an expanded facility design, increased building costs contributed to the overall increase from an estimated $1.5 to $6.5 million for the Visitors Center. 

One of the key factors contributing to the redesign of the Visitors Center was to create a space that would befittingly prepare people for the experience of visiting the "holiest House of Worship ever to be erected to the glory of Bahá'u'lláh."  No other structure in North America receives more visitors each day to inquire about the Bahá'í Faith.  At present, more books are purchased, calls received, questions asked and programs held at our beloved Mother Temple of the West than at any other Bahá'í building on the continent. 

Some of the new features in the final design include:

• Bookstore and reading room
• Display room to provide educational information about the Bahá'í Faith
• Viewing presentation room for informational talks and videos
• Lounge space for visitors to rest and share fellowship, inspired by the pilgrim houses at the Bahá'í Holy Places at the Bahá'í World Center
• Reception room to greet special guests, such as religious and political leaders welcomed to the House of Worship by the National Assembly
• Two-story central lobby space with a glass ceiling to feature a stunning view of the Temple that will create an indoor courtyard type atmosphere

The beloved Guardian granted special permission to the early American believers to temporarily use the basement space below the Temple Auditorium as a Visitors Center.  With the success of the Kingdom Project, our American Bahá'í community is now able to restore the Temple structure to that of her original and sole intended purpose, a place of worship, prayer and meditation. The new Visitors Center will be a place to befittingly welcome and prepare guests for the experience of visiting our beloved Mother Temple.

The National Assembly encourages the friends to continue their generous support of the Kingdom Project through ongoing contributions.  Any contributions received in excess of the Temple restoration and Visitors Center construction needs will go towards the Temple Endowment Fund established in 2001.  Check contributions to the Visitors Center may be made out to "Kingdom Project". 

For more information about the Visitors Center and to make a contribution or pledge, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , Tel: 847.733.3472.