Get Ready for the Greatest Temple Tour in 130 Years: What’s Coming to Salt Lake City in 2027

It’s official—Salt Lake City is about to become the epicenter of one of the most anticipated religious events in modern history. Starting April 5, 2027, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is throwing open the doors of the Salt Lake Temple for an unprecedented six-month public open house, and honestly, the scale of what’s being planned is absolutely mind-blowing.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment

Let that sink in for a second: It’s been over 130 years since the general public could actually walk through the Salt Lake Temple. The last time ordinary visitors got to experience this iconic building was way back in the 1890s. That’s not a casual reopening—that’s a genuine historic moment.

After closing on January 1, 2020, for critical seismic upgrades and comprehensive renovations, the Temple has undergone a complete transformation. All that hard work wraps up by the end of 2024, and then comes the big reveal.

Expect Millions (We’re Talking MILLIONS)

The Church isn’t understating this: they’re projecting 3 to 5 million visitors will come through during those six months. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day for 180 consecutive days. To put that in perspective, during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, about 70,000 visitors flooded the city each day—but that only lasted 17 days total.

“We’re planning for a larger number rather than a smaller number so that we don’t get overwhelmed,” church officials have said. Smart thinking.

Here’s What the Experience Will Look Like

The tour process has been carefully mapped out to handle the crowds:

Getting Inside: You’ll start at the Church’s Conference Center just north of Temple Square, then head underground to enter the Temple itself. This setup keeps things organized and smooth.

The Main Event: The Temple tour itself takes 60 to 80 minutes as you walk through the beautifully renovated interior. But here’s the thing—the entire experience can easily stretch several hours once you factor in exploring Temple Square’s new statues and other adjacent church buildings.

Special Docents: The Church is calling special missionaries to serve as tour guides throughout the open house period, so you’ll get real people sharing insights, not just automated information.

How to Actually Get a Tour Ticket

Late August or early September 2027, the Church will launch a dedicated app for booking your tour time. This is your ticket to planning your visit.

Transportation? They’ve Got You Covered:

• Discounted or free UTA passes (TRAX, FrontRunner, and buses) for ticket holders heading downtown
• A brand-new park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with lighted, secure parking and regular shuttles to Temple Square
• Church employees are getting free UTA passes for the entire six months to help reduce downtown traffic congestion

VIP Preview: Get In Early If You’re Local

If you’re a nearby business owner or resident, you’re in luck. The Church is inviting local community members to tour the Temple in March 2027, giving you first access before the general public arrives.

What Else Is Happening

While all this is going on, the Church will maintain its schedule of semi-annual general conferences (held in April and October each year), and Easter displays will continue welcoming visitors to Temple Square. So there’s plenty to experience beyond just the Temple tours.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t just another event on the Salt Lake City calendar—this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to witness and participate in something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a church member, a history enthusiast, an architecture fan, or just curious about what all the excitement is about, 2027 is shaping up to be the year to visit Salt Lake City.

Mark your calendars for April 5, 2027. And maybe download that booking app the moment it launches in late summer.