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The 2026 Temple Submission deadline is March 15th, 11:59 pm CST Please send submissions to temple@lakesoffire.org

The Lakes of Fire Temple

For many, the Temple is the spiritual center of the Burning Man experience: a place to seek solace and which holds sacred space. A sanctuary for all, Temple stands in contrast to the revelrous and sometimes cacophonous atmosphere of the burn. Allowing for moments of quiet reflection where we can process grief, honor those we’ve lost, witness the humanity of our fellow denizens, or simply allow ourselves to release and accept that which is. The Temple is there to provide what each participant needs. To experience Temple is to engage with something both uniquely individual and comfortably communal. The Temple opens a blank slate and closes with offerings of community: photos, inscriptions, mementos. The catharsis of Temple is concluded as it burns in silence early Sunday morning. 

Interested in creating a Temple at Lakes of Fire? 

Submissions typically open at the beginning of January and close at the end of March. 

Please email temple@lakesoffire.org for current years submission dates

Temple Build Requirements

Build Requirements:

  • The Temple has a maximum size: 8 feet in any direction (length, width, height)
  • The Temple is to be built with no metal, only wood. Wood glue and natural rope can be used. Rebar stakes can be used at the bottom to create a stable structure but that is it. 
  • We encourage an opening for humans to go into the Temple, we request that the opening be at least 36 inches wide. 
  • LOF requires that all pieces that are slated to burn at LOF adhere to our Burning Art Restrictions.  

 

Proposal Requests:

  • The more details your proposal has the better
  • Submissions that incorporate the event theme are encouraged and appreciated

 

When does it need to arrive onsite:
We request that, if possible, The Temple is installed before the gates open on Wednesday.  There will be early arrival access for the Temple Build Crew. 

Lighting:

There is no power at the Temple location site. All lighting has to be solar-powered and provided by the temple build team.  A lot goes a long way.  2024’s temple was stunning with 3 solar-powered lights.

Burn Plan:

We have this part covered.  We will ask that you ignite your piece, which we will support you in doing.  Krueger, Liz, and ESD will handle the burning of the piece.  Including the perimeter staffing. 

Burn Scar Cleanup: 

We have a plan, we will teach you. You need to provide the humans for cleanup.  It’s about 4 hours of work on Sunday for 4 people.  

Budget:

The Temple has a $1,700 budget. This budget includes transportation, building materials, lighting and anything else that is needed.  


Please reach out to temple@lakesoffire.org with your ideas, proposals and questions.

Past Temples

2014

The Templegy

Designer/Artist: Ashley Bertling, Adam Wilmot, BK Ellison and others

Hometown: Chicago, IL

This Temple was both the Effigy and the Temple. Hence the name Templegy

Photo: unknown

2022

Temple of Resurrection

Designer/Artist: Bartek Karas/Jason Araujo

Hometown: Chicago, IL$4X

Photo: Bartek Karas

2023

Temple of Regeneration

Designer/Artist: Christy Wogelius, Emma Scheinman, and Alan Dratewski

Home Town: Chicagoland Area

Photo: Christy Wogelius

2024

Temple of Rain

Designer/Artist: Jenni Karle, Jeremy Gaston and Nathan Kuester

Hometown: Minneapolis Minnesota

Photo: Jeremy Gaston

2025

Temple of Ascension

Designer/Artist: Wayne Zuschlag, Justine “Violet” Lucas, and Ray “Kilovolt” Koltys.

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Photo: Leslie Engel