When it was built in the 1950s, this was the largest Mormon temple in the church. It may not be the biggest anymore, but it's still pretty darn big.

Dedicated in 1956, the Mormon Temple dominates the stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between Century City and the 405. At 257 feet high, the larger-than-life edifice is pretty hard to miss. At night, when the temple becomes an oversize nightlight, it can be seen all the way from the 10 freeway. Besides the federally owned national cemetery and the Veteran's hospital grounds, those looking for something other than asphalt will be hard-pressed to find a piece of property on the Westside with so much green space. Unfortunately, the temple is an architectural monument to the boxy design of the mid-1950s, but the Mormons are friendly enough and operate a visitors' center on site to teach the world more about the building and their religion. Located downstairs in the Temples visitors center is the Los Angeles Regional Family History Center, where anyone (not just Mormons) can track down their ancestry. Visitors can get free access to online databases and pick the brains of the centers genealogy consultants. Just remember to leave the cokes and six packs in the car.