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

Hold onto your hats, Salt Lake City. After more than 130 years of being off-limits to the general public, the magnificent Salt Lake Temple is throwing open its doors for an unprecedented celebration that’s about to reshape downtown for the next six months.

Starting April 5, 2027, and running through October 1, 2027, millions of visitors will flood Salt Lake City for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore this historic icon. We’re talking 3 to 5 million people—roughly 20,000 to 29,000 daily—all eager to step inside a building that has been closed to public tours since 1896.

Why All the Excitement?

The Salt Lake Temple shut its doors on January 1, 2020, for a complete overhaul. We’re talking serious seismic upgrades and extensive renovations that have transformed this architectural marvel. By the end of this year, all the reconstruction will be finished, and Salt Lake City will have something truly special to show off.

To put the scale in perspective: during the 2002 Olympics, Salt Lake City welcomed roughly 70,000 visitors per day over just 17 days. This open house will stretch that experience across six entire months. Church officials are intentionally planning for the higher end of visitor estimates because, as they say, it’s better to prepare for a bigger crowd than scramble when one shows up.

What to Expect During Your Visit

The tour experience is designed to be immersive and unhurried. Here’s how it works:

Getting There Is Half the Battle

The church has partnered with UTA to make transportation smooth. You’ll be able to hop on TRAX, FrontRunner, or the bus to get downtown. If driving is your preference, the church is leasing a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service directly to Temple Square. Church employees will even get free UTA passes for the entire six months to help reduce downtown traffic congestion.

The Tour Itself

Your journey begins at the Conference Center, just north of Temple Square, and winds underground into the Temple itself. The actual tour of the building takes between 60 and 80 minutes, guided by specially called missionaries serving as docents. Once you’re inside the perimeter, you’ll have access to the entire Temple Square, including stunning new statues and other church buildings. Budget several hours for the whole experience—it’s worth every minute.

Booking Your Spot

In late August or early September 2027, the church will launch an app for booking tour times. This staggered approach will keep things organized and manageable.

Special Opportunities

Before the general public arrives, the church is inviting nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027. It’s a nice gesture to the neighborhood that’s about to experience unprecedented foot traffic.

During the open house period, Temple Square will also host Easter displays and coincide with the church’s semi-annual general conference in April and October—giving visitors even more reasons to stick around and explore what Salt Lake City has to offer.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t just another tourist event. This is a pivotal moment for Salt Lake City and a rare opportunity for millions of people to experience something genuinely historic. Whether you’re a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about one of Utah’s most recognizable buildings, the 2027 Salt Lake Temple open house promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Mark your calendar. Download that app when it launches. And get ready to be part of something truly special.