Exciting News: Salt Lake Temple Open House Coming Soon
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is gearing up for a much-anticipated event: the Salt Lake Temple open house, set to welcome visitors from April 5 to October 1, 2027. After this period, access will be limited to those who hold active temple recommends. This event marks an incredible opportunity for individuals to explore a significant aspect of the Church’s heritage.
What You Can Expect
During the open house, the public will have the chance to tour the renovated Salt Lake Temple. Since its closure on January 1, 2020, for seismic upgrades and extensive renovations, anticipation has been building. With the reconstruction expected to wrap up by the end of this year, the Temple will soon be ready to welcome millions of visitors. The Church estimates that between 3 million and 5 million individuals will participate in this event, translating to about 20,000 to 29,000 people each day. This level of attendance is reminiscent of the 2002 Olympics, where daily visitors reached approximately 70,000 over a short span of 17 days.
Planning for the Crowds
Given the expected large turnout, both the city and the Church are collaborating on crowd management efforts. Visitors will start their journey at the Conference Center, just north of Temple Square, and will proceed underground to the Temple itself. This immersive tour will take 60 to 80 minutes, highlighting the extensive renovations and unique features.
To facilitate travel, the Church will launch an app in late August or early September for booking tour times. In partnership with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), ticket holders will be able to utilize TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus services to reach downtown. Notably, a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot will also be available, complete with a shuttle service to Temple Square.
Enhancing the Experience
The Church aims to provide a seamless and memorable experience for all attendees. Special missionaries will be called to serve as guides, ensuring that visitors receive rich insights throughout the tours. The total experience may last several hours, allowing everyone to explore Temple Square and enjoy its new statues and other facilities.
Church employees will assist in reducing traffic by receiving free UTA passes for the initial six months of the open house period. Additionally, local businesses and residents will be invited for a sneak peek in March 2027, ahead of the broader public opening.
Looking Ahead
As we approach this exciting time, be sure to mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more detailed information. The Salt Lake Temple open house represents a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate a significant part of the Church’s history. Whether you’re a lifelong member or a curious visitor, this event promises to be both enlightening and memorable.
Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to join the celebration in Salt Lake City!