Get Ready for History: The Salt Lake Temple Open House is Coming in 2027
If you’ve been dreaming of stepping inside one of the most iconic buildings in Salt Lake City, mark your calendars—your chance is finally coming. After more than 130 years of being closed to the general public, the Salt Lake Temple is throwing open its doors for an unprecedented celebration that promises to be unlike anything the city has ever seen.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Here’s the headline: between April 5 and October 1, 2027, anyone and everyone is invited to tour the beautifully restored Salt Lake Temple. Yes, you read that right. This isn’t just another tour—it’s a historic moment. The last time regular visitors could explore this architectural marvel was way back in the 1890s.
The Temple has been undergoing a massive transformation since closing on January 1, 2020. Teams have been hard at work with seismic upgrades and extensive renovations that will be completely finished by the end of this year. The result? A building that honors its rich history while standing stronger than ever.
Expect the Crowds (In a Good Way)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is anticipating 3 to 5 million visitors over those six months. That’s somewhere between 20,000 to 29,000 people per day—roughly equivalent to hosting one of the church’s biannual general conference sessions every single day for half a year.
To put that in perspective, during the entire 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City attracted about 70,000 visitors daily, but only for 17 days. This open house will be sustained for 180 days. The city and the church are taking this seriously and planning accordingly.
How to Visit
Booking Your Tour
In late August or early September 2027, the church will launch a dedicated app for reserving your tour time. Each tour of the Temple itself takes 60 to 80 minutes, but plan for several hours if you want to experience everything Temple Square has to offer, including the new statues and other church buildings on the grounds.
Getting There (The Smart Way)
Don’t worry about parking nightmares. The church has partnered with UTA to offer free or discounted public transit options. You can hop on TRAX, Frontrunner, or the bus to get downtown. Plus, they’re leasing a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service straight to Temple Square.
As an added bonus, church employees will receive complimentary UTA passes for the entire six-month period to help reduce downtown traffic congestion.
What to Expect Inside
Your journey begins at the Church’s Conference Center, just north of Temple Square, and winds underground to the Temple itself. Special missionaries will be called as docents to guide visitors through the building and share its fascinating history and significance.
Once you’re through, you’ll have access to all of Temple Square and its various buildings—so bring comfortable shoes and set aside plenty of time to really soak it all in.
A Special Preview
Want an early look? The church is inviting nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027, before the general public opens the floodgates in April.
After October 2027
Here’s the important detail: after October 1, 2027, the Temple will return to being open only to church members with active temple recommends. So if you’re curious about seeing inside, this open house window is genuinely once-in-a-lifetime.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a longtime member of the church, a curious history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates significant cultural moments, the Salt Lake Temple open house represents something truly special. In 2027, Salt Lake City will be the center of the religious world, and you’re invited to be part of it.
Start planning now. Check back in late August 2027 for the booking app. And prepare yourself for an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.