Get Ready for History: The Salt Lake Temple is Opening Its Doors!

After more than 130 years of keeping its doors closed to the public, the Salt Lake Temple is about to welcome millions of visitors for an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to Salt Lake City next year, buckle up—this is going to be massive.

What’s Happening and When

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is throwing open the Temple doors for an extended public open house running from April 5 through October 1, 2027. This isn’t just any tour—it’s the largest Temple open house the church has ever organized, and city officials are preparing for an influx that could rival Olympic-level crowds.

The numbers tell the story: The church is expecting somewhere between 3 million to 5 million visitors—that’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day for six straight months. To put that in perspective, the 2002 Winter Olympics brought about 70,000 visitors daily to Salt Lake City, but only for 17 days total. This open house will sustain that kind of intensity for half a year.

Why All the Fuss?

The Temple has been closed since January 1, 2020, undergoing major seismic upgrades and extensive renovations. The work wraps up by the end of this year, and the results promise to be spectacular. For the first time in over a century, everyday people will get to see inside this iconic building that’s been such a centerpiece of Salt Lake City’s downtown skyline.

How to Get Your Tour Tickets

Want to experience this historic moment? Tickets go on sale in late August or early September 2027 through a new church app designed specifically for booking tour times. This digital-first approach will help manage the massive crowds and give visitors flexibility in planning their visit.

The church is being strategic about the experience, inviting nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027—a soft opening before the general public arrives in April.

Getting Downtown Made Easy

The church and the city have coordinated transportation solutions to handle the volume:

• UTA Transit: Free and discounted rides on TRAX, FrontRunner trains, and buses for open house visitors
• Park-and-Ride: A new lighted, secure parking lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service straight to Temple Square
• Employee Support: Church employees will receive free UTA passes for the entire six-month period to help reduce downtown traffic congestion

What to Expect During Your Visit

Here’s the fun part—the experience is designed to be immersive:

The Tour Route: You’ll start at the Church’s Conference Center just north of Temple Square and travel underground to the Temple itself. The interior tour takes 60 to 80 minutes, giving you a genuine sense of the building’s grandeur and recently completed renovations.

Extended Experience: Once you’re inside the perimeter, you’ll have access to all of Temple Square, including newly installed statues and other church buildings. Plan for several hours total if you want to really explore everything.

Expert Guides: The church is calling special missionaries to serve as docents during the open house period, so you’ll have knowledgeable guides answering questions and sharing insights.

Mark Your Calendar

If you’re considering a spring or summer trip to Salt Lake City, this is the event of the decade. Whether you’re a church member or simply curious about one of Utah’s most recognizable buildings, 2027 is your year to experience something truly historic.

The city and the church are ready. The question is—are you?