The Salt Lake Temple is Opening Its Doors—And It’s Going to Be HUGE

Get ready, Salt Lake City. After more than 130 years of keeping its doors closed to the public, the iconic Salt Lake Temple is about to welcome millions of visitors through its freshly renovated halls. And honestly? This is going to be epic.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the Salt Lake Temple will open for public tours beginning April 5, 2027, through October 1, 2027. We’re talking about a six-month celebration of what’s being called the largest temple open house the church has ever organized.

Here’s the mind-blowing part: officials are expecting 3 to 5 million visitors to descend on downtown Salt Lake City during those months. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day—the equivalent of filling an entire general conference session daily for half a year.

For perspective, the 2002 Winter Olympics brought 70,000 visitors a day to Salt Lake City, but that was only for 17 days. This open house will last nearly 180 days.

What’s Been Happening to the Temple?

The Salt Lake Temple has been undergoing a major transformation since January 1, 2020. The extensive renovation project included critical seismic upgrades to ensure the historic building can withstand earthquakes—essential work for a structure built in 1893. All reconstruction work is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2026, just in time for the April 2027 opening.

What to Expect on Your Visit

The Tour Experience

Your adventure begins at the Church’s Conference Center, located just north of Temple Square. From there, you’ll take an underground passage into the Temple itself. The actual temple tour runs 60 to 80 minutes, giving you an up-close look at the meticulously renovated interior.

But wait—there’s more. Once you’re inside the Temple Square perimeter, you’ll have access to the entire grounds, including newly installed statues and other church buildings. Plan for several hours total if you want to truly soak it all in.

Special missionaries will be called to serve as docents throughout the open house period, ready to share insights and answer your questions.

How to Get Your Ticket

In late August or early September 2027, the church will launch a dedicated app for booking tour times. This is your one-stop shop for reserving your spot and planning your visit.

Getting There (Without the Traffic Nightmare)

The city and the church are working together to solve what could be a serious transportation challenge. Here’s how they’re tackling it:

Public Transportation: The church has partnered with UTA (Utah Transit Authority) to offer free or discounted access to TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus services for ticket holders heading downtown.

Park and Ride: Need to drive? The church is leasing property at South Temple and Redwood Road for a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot with regular shuttle service directly to Temple Square. No hunting for downtown parking required.

For Employees: Church employees will receive free UTA passes for the entire six-month period to help reduce downtown traffic congestion.

A Head Start for the Locals

Here’s a nice touch: in March 2027, before the general public arrives, the church will invite nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple first. It’s a thoughtful way to let the local community experience the renovated building before the crowds descend.

Why All the Fuss?

This isn’t just another building tour. The Salt Lake Temple is one of the most recognizable religious buildings in America. For members of the church, having the opportunity to walk through its doors is deeply meaningful. For visitors curious about the church’s history and architecture, it’s a rare glimpse into a 130-year-old piece of Salt Lake City heritage.

After October 1, 2027, the Temple will return to being accessible only to church members with active temple recommends—making this six-month window a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Bottom Line

Mark your calendars for April through October 2027. Whether you’re a devout member, a curious neighbor, or a tourist fascinated by architectural history, the Salt Lake Temple open house promises to be one of the most significant events Salt Lake City has hosted in recent years.

Just remember: book your tour early through the church’s app when it launches, plan your transportation in advance, and set aside several hours for the full experience.

This is one temple visit you won’t want to miss.