The Salt Lake Temple is Opening Its Doors—And It’s Going to Be Huge

After more than 130 years of exclusivity, the Salt Lake Temple is finally throwing open its doors to the world. And let me tell you, Salt Lake City is about to experience something truly extraordinary.

A Historic Moment in the Making

Starting April 5, 2027, the public will have an incredible opportunity to step inside one of the most iconic religious buildings in North America. This open house will run through October 1, 2027—a full six months of accessibility that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has never offered before.

Think about that for a second. The Salt Lake Temple has stood on Temple Square since 1893, but the general public hasn’t been allowed inside in over 130 years. That changes next year.

What’s Been Happening Behind the Scenes?

The Temple closed its doors on January 1, 2020, for some serious work. We’re talking major seismic upgrades and extensive renovations designed to modernize this historic building while preserving its grandeur. By the end of this year, all that reconstruction will be complete, and the Temple will be ready for its grand reopening.

Prepare for the Crowds

Here’s where things get wild: the Church estimates between 3 to 5 million visitors will show up during those six months. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day. To put that in perspective, that’s equivalent to filling one session of the Church’s general conference (which happens twice a year) every single day for half a year.

The city and the Church are taking this seriously. As one organizer put it, “We’re planning for a larger number rather than a smaller number so that we don’t get overwhelmed.”

Even the 2002 Winter Olympics—which brought 70,000 visitors daily to Salt Lake City—pale in comparison when you look at the scale of this event.

How to Get Your Tour

Timing is everything. In late August or early September 2027, the Church will launch a mobile app where you can book your specific tour time. Smart move—this prevents total chaos.

Getting there is easy. The Church has partnered with UTA to make public transportation free for ticket holders. You can hop on TRAX, FrontRunner, or the bus to get downtown. Plus, they’re leasing a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service running directly to Temple Square.

If you’re a Church employee, there’s an extra bonus: free UTA passes for the entire six-month period to help reduce downtown traffic congestion.

What to Expect Inside

Your Temple tour experience will start at the Church’s Conference Center, located just north of Temple Square. From there, you’ll actually travel underground to the Temple itself—a unique approach that helps manage foot traffic.

Inside the Temple, plan for 60 to 80 minutes of touring time. The Church is calling special missionaries to serve as docents, so you’ll have knowledgeable guides walking you through the building and explaining its history and significance.

But here’s the thing: the experience doesn’t end when you exit the Temple. Once you’re inside the perimeter, you’ll have access to all of Temple Square, including stunning new statues and other Church buildings. Budget several hours total for the complete experience.

VIP Preview

Want an early look? The Church is inviting nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027, before opening to the general public. It’s a nice touch that shows appreciation for the downtown community living and working nearby.

What Comes After?

Mark your calendar for October 2, 2027. That’s when the Temple closes to the general public and transitions back to being accessible only to Church members with active Temple recommends. So if you’re thinking about visiting, next year is your window.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another tourist attraction. It’s a rare glimpse into a building that has been central to the Church’s identity for over a century. Whether you’re a Church member curious to see the renovations, a history buff interested in architectural restoration, or someone simply wanting to be part of a major cultural event, the Salt Lake Temple open house offers something special.

Salt Lake City, get ready. Next year is going to be unforgettable.