Salt Lake Temple Open House: Key Details
The Salt Lake Temple, a prominent House of the Lord for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is set to open its doors to the public in an extensive open house scheduled from April 5, 2027, to October 1, 2027. This occasion marks a significant moment, as it has been over 130 years since the public has had the opportunity to access the interior of this historical House of the Lord.
LDS Temple News Presents Temple Square
The Salt Lake Temple closed on January 1, 2020, to undergo essential seismic upgrades and extensive renovations. As the church prepares for the reopening celebration, all reconstruction efforts are expected to be completed by the end of this year. This redevelopment not only enhances structural integrity but also revitalizes the aesthetic aspects of the House of the Lord.
Visitor Projections and Planning
The church anticipates an influx of 3 million to 5 million people during the open house period, which translates to approximately 20,000 to 29,000 individuals visiting each day. This turnout is comparable to the crowds seen during the 2002 Olympics held in Salt Lake City, where an estimated 70,000 visitors were present daily for a much shorter time frame. To efficiently handle this expected attendance, the city and the church are collaborating on detailed crowd management strategies.
Preparing for Access and Tours
In late August or early September, the church plans to launch an app that will allow individuals to book their desired times for tours. To facilitate transportation, arrangements have been made for ticket holders to utilize UTA services, including TRAX and Frontrunner. A lighted and secure park-and-ride lot will also be leased at South Temple and Redwood Road, ensuring accessibility and ease of travel to the House of the Lord.
Special Tours and Experiences
Tours will commence at the church’s Conference Center, located just north of Temple Square. Visitors will then proceed underground to the House of the Lord itself. The expected duration for the tour is between 60 to 80 minutes, providing an in-depth exploration of the interior. The church plans to call special missionaries to serve as guides during this open house period, enhancing the informative nature of the experience.
What Visitors Can Expect
Once inside the designated area, individuals will be granted access to Temple Square and its new statues, along with other church buildings. The overall experience could last several hours, allowing ample time to appreciate the renovations and the historical significance of the Salt Lake Temple.
Looking Ahead
In the meantime, the church is preparing for its semi-annual general conference, held twice a year in April and October, alongside special Easter displays for those interested in preliminary events leading up to the open house. As the countdown to the Salt Lake Temple’s reopening begins, anticipation continues to build, promising a momentous return to one of the most recognized Houses of the Lord in the region.