Get Ready to Experience History: The Salt Lake Temple Open House is Coming in 2027

Well, friends, hold onto your hats because something truly spectacular is about to happen in Salt Lake City. After more than 130 years of being closed to the general public, the iconic Salt Lake Temple is throwing open its doors for an unprecedented celebration—and it’s going to be absolutely massive.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment

Picture this: The Salt Lake Temple has been undergoing seismic upgrades and extensive renovations since closing on January 1, 2020. All of that careful restoration work wraps up at the end of this year, and then comes the grand reveal. Starting April 5, 2027, and running through October 1, 2027, millions of people will get the chance to step inside this historic building on Temple Square in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

We’re talking about 3 to 5 million visitors over six months. Yes, you read that right. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day—every single day for half a year. To put that in perspective, the 2002 Olympics brought 70,000 visitors a day to Salt Lake City over just 17 days. This open house is going to be on an entirely different scale.

What to Expect

The tour experience is thoughtfully designed to showcase the Temple’s magnificent interior. You’ll start at the Church’s Conference Center just north of Temple Square, then make your way underground directly into the Temple itself. The interior tour takes 60 to 80 minutes, but don’t plan on leaving within a couple of hours. Once you’re inside the perimeter of Temple Square, you’ll have access to the whole area, including stunning new statues and other church buildings. It’s genuinely a several-hour experience if you want to take it all in.

The Church is getting serious about making this work. They’re calling special missionaries to serve as docents and tour guides throughout the entire open house period. These dedicated volunteers will help ensure every visitor has a meaningful experience.

Getting There (Yes, They’ve Thought This Through)

The Salt Lake City and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are working together on a transportation strategy because, let’s be honest, you can’t just wing it with 5 million visitors.

Here’s the plan:

• Book your ticket via app: In late August or early September 2027, the Church will launch an app where you can reserve your tour time
• Public transit options: UTA has partnered with the Church to provide TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus service downtown
• Park and ride: The Church is leasing property at South Temple and Redwood Road for a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot with regular shuttle service to Temple Square
• For employees: Church employees will receive free UTA passes for the six months to help reduce downtown traffic

As one Church official noted, “We’re planning for a larger number rather than a smaller number so that we don’t get overwhelmed.” Smart thinking.

Mark Your Calendar

Before the general public gets access, the Church is inviting nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027. Consider this your insider heads-up that early access is coming for the immediate neighborhood.

And here’s something else happening during this exciting time: The Church’s semi-annual general conference takes place in April and October each year, so April 2027 will feature both the conference and the beginning of the open house. Easter displays are already being prepared for visitors.

After October 2027

Once October 1, 2027, rolls around, the Temple’s doors close to the general public. After that date, only Church members with active Temple recommends will be able to enter. So if you’ve been thinking about visiting, that six-month window is the window.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a tour. This is a chance to see one of the most significant religious buildings in the United States during a moment of celebration and renewal. The Salt Lake Temple represents over a century and a half of history, and the fact that the general public hasn’t had access since 1893 makes this open house genuinely unprecedented.

Whether you’re a member of the Church, a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply curious about one of Salt Lake City’s most recognizable buildings, 2027 is shaping up to be the year to visit.

Start planning now. Download that app when it launches. Book your transportation. And get ready to be part of something truly extraordinary.

See you on Temple Square in 2027!