Six Months of Wonder: What You Need to Know About the Salt Lake Temple Open House
After more than a century of keeping its doors closed to the public, the Salt Lake Temple is finally throwing them wide open—and it’s going to be huge.
Starting April 5, 2027, the historic Temple on Temple Square will welcome millions of visitors for what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is calling its largest temple open house ever. We’re talking about 3 to 5 million people over six months. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 visitors every single day until October 1, 2027.
A Building Over 130 Years in the Making
Here’s some mind-blowing context: the last time regular people could walk through the Salt Lake Temple was in the 1890s. That’s right—over 130 years ago.
The Temple closed on January 1, 2020, for a major facelift. Church leaders invested in extensive seismic upgrades and comprehensive renovations to ensure this magnificent building stands strong for generations to come. By the end of 2024, all that painstaking work will be finished and ready for prime time.
What to Expect Inside
Once you step foot on Temple Square, you’re in for an experience. Here’s how it’ll work:
The Tour Experience
- Tours begin at the Church’s Conference Center, just north of Temple Square
- You’ll journey underground directly into the Temple itself
- Plan for 60 to 80 minutes to tour the building’s interior
- But don’t stop there—the entire Temple Square experience could easily stretch several hours
Inside, visitors will explore not just the Temple, but also the newly installed statues and other church buildings throughout the square. The Church is taking this seriously and has already called special missionaries to serve as docents, ensuring every visitor gets knowledgeable guides throughout their tour.
Getting Your Ticket and Planning Your Visit
When Booking Opens
The Church will launch a dedicated app in late August or early September 2027 to reserve your tour time. This makes it easy to plan your visit and avoid showing up without a spot secured.
Getting Downtown
The Church has arranged partnerships with UTA (Utah Transit Authority) to make transportation seamless:
- Use TRAX, FrontRunner, or the bus with your ticket
- Take advantage of a brand-new park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road—it’s lighted, secure, and offers regular shuttle service directly to Temple Square
- As a bonus, Church employees will get free UTA passes for the entire six months to help reduce downtown congestion
The Scale of This Event
To put the magnitude of this event into perspective: during the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City welcomed about 70,000 visitors per day for 17 days. This Temple open house will potentially exceed those daily numbers, but sustained over six full months. It’s truly unprecedented.
That’s why the Church is being proactive. As Stephens noted, “We’re planning for a larger number rather than a smaller number so that we don’t get overwhelmed.”
Special Preview for Local Insiders
Before the general public arrives in April, the Church is extending an exclusive invitation to nearby residents and businesses to tour the Temple in March 2027. It’s a nice way to share the restored building with those who live closest to it.
What Else Is Happening on Temple Square
Beyond the Temple tours themselves, visitors should know that Easter displays are already set up for visitors to enjoy. Plus, the Church’s semi-annual General Conference takes place in both April and October—meaning there’s plenty of inspiring content happening on Temple Square year-round.
Ready to Experience History?
Whether you’ve walked past Temple Square your whole life or you’re planning to make the pilgrimage from across the country, the 2027 Salt Lake Temple open house promises to be an unforgettable experience. Clear your calendar, prepare for crowds, and get ready to witness six months of celebration as one of the most iconic buildings in the American West opens its doors to everyone.
Keep your eyes on that app launch this late summer—your piece of history awaits.