The Salt Lake Temple Open House is Coming—And It’s Going to Be Epic

Get ready, Salt Lake City. Something absolutely monumental is heading your way in 2027, and it’s going to shake things up in the best possible way.

For the first time in over 130 years, the public will be invited inside the Salt Lake Temple. After nearly seven years of massive renovations and seismic upgrades, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is throwing open the doors for an unprecedented celebration that’s expected to draw between 3 to 5 million visitors from around the world.

Let that sink in for a moment.

What to Expect: A Six-Month Celebration

The public open house runs from April 5 through October 1, 2027—a full six months of continuous tours. We’re talking about 20,000 to 29,000 daily visitors, which is roughly equivalent to hosting one of the church’s semi-annual general conferences every single day for half a year.

To put that in perspective, the 2002 Winter Olympics drew 70,000 visitors per day, but only for 17 days. This is operating on a completely different scale.

“We’re planning for a larger number rather than a smaller number so that we don’t get overwhelmed,” organizers have said, and frankly, that’s smart thinking.

How the Tours Work

The experience kicks off at the Church’s Conference Center, just north of Temple Square, then moves underground directly into the Temple itself. Each tour takes between 60 to 80 minutes to explore the building’s interior. But here’s the thing—once you’re inside the perimeter, you’ll have access to the entire Temple Square experience, including the new statues and other church buildings. Budget several hours for the whole adventure.

The church is calling special missionaries to serve as docents and guides throughout the six-month period, ensuring visitors get knowledgeable, personable tours.

Getting There (Without Losing Your Mind)

The city and the church are getting serious about logistics because, let’s face it, coordinating millions of visitors requires real planning.

Transportation options include:

• TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus service through an arrangement with UTA
• A dedicated park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with shuttle service directly to Temple Square
• Free UTA passes for church employees during the six months to help reduce downtown traffic

How to Book Your Tour

In late August or early September 2027, the church will launch a dedicated app for booking tour times. No more guessing—you’ll reserve your spot digitally and skip the chaos of walk-ups.

A Little Preview First

Here’s a nice touch: the church is inviting nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027, before the general public gets access. Think of it as a soft opening for the neighborhood.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about reopening a building. The Salt Lake Temple has been closed since January 1, 2020, for its extensive makeover. The anticipation has been building for years, and now we finally have a date to mark on the calendar.

Whether you’re a church member curious to see the renovations, a history buff interested in a 130-year-old architectural marvel, or simply someone who wants to witness a major cultural event, April 2027 is shaping up to be one of Salt Lake City’s biggest moments in recent memory.

Start planning now, because tickets will fill up fast. This is your chance to be part of something truly historic.