Get Ready for History: Salt Lake Temple Opens Its Doors After 130+ Years
There’s something magical about witnessing history in the making, and Salt Lake City is about to experience exactly that. After more than 130 years of being closed to the general public, the Salt Lake Temple is finally throwing open its doors—and it’s going to be absolutely massive.
A Moment 130+ Years in the Making
Let that sink in for a moment: 130 years. The last time everyday visitors could walk through the Salt Lake Temple was back in 1893. Fast forward to 2027, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is preparing for what will undoubtedly be the most extraordinary open house event the organization has ever hosted.
The temple has been undergoing major seismic upgrades and comprehensive renovations since January 1, 2020. All that work is scheduled to wrap up by the end of this year, and then? Then the big reveal happens.
Prepare for Crowds (And Then Some)
Let’s talk scale. The church is anticipating 3 to 5 million visitors streaming through Salt Lake City between April 5 and October 1, 2027. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day for six straight months.
To put that in perspective, the 2002 Winter Olympics drew about 70,000 visitors daily to Salt Lake City—but that was condensed into just 17 days. This open house is practically a half-year-long celebration.
“We’re planning for a larger number rather than a smaller number so that we don’t get overwhelmed,” officials have confirmed. Smart thinking.
What to Expect During Your Visit
The Tour Itself
Guests will begin their journey at the Church’s Conference Center, located just north of Temple Square. From there, you’ll head underground and make your way into the Temple itself. Plan on spending 60 to 80 minutes inside the building as special missionaries serve as docents, sharing stories and insights throughout the tour.
But here’s the beautiful part—the Temple tour is just the beginning. Once you’re on Temple Square’s grounds, you’ll have access to:
- Brand-new statues and artistic installations
- Other church buildings
- The full Temple Square experience
The entire outing could easily stretch into several hours of exploration and discovery.
Getting There (Without the Headache)
The church has partnered with UTA to make transportation seamless. Ticket holders can use TRAX, Frontrunner, and bus services to get downtown easily.
For those who prefer driving, the church has arranged a special lighted, secure park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road, complete with regular shuttle service directly to Temple Square.
Oh, and here’s a nice bonus: church employees are receiving free UTA passes for the entire six-month period to help keep downtown traffic manageable.
How to Book Your Tour
Tickets will go live in late August or early September through a dedicated app that the church will launch. This digital system will make it easy to reserve your preferred tour time without the chaos of long lines.
Pro tip: Local businesses and residents get early access in March 2027, before the general public flood gates open in April. That’s your chance for a potentially more relaxed experience.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about seeing a beautiful building (though it absolutely is beautiful). This is about witnessing a moment that won’t come around again in our lifetimes. A 130-year gap between public access is historic. The fact that millions of people will have the opportunity to step inside these doors represents something truly special.
Whether you’re a church member looking to see the renovations, a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a curious resident of the Beehive State, the Salt Lake Temple open house in 2027 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
Mark your calendars. Download that app when it launches. And get ready to be part of something momentous.
The Salt Lake Temple Open House runs April 5 through October 1, 2027. For more information and to book your tour when tickets become available, watch for the church’s official app launching in late August or early September.