The Salt Lake Temple is Opening Its Doors—and It’s Going to Be HUGE

After more than 130 years of keeping its doors closed to the public, the Salt Lake Temple is about to become the hottest ticket in Utah. And we’re not exaggerating—the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is gearing up for what will be the largest Temple open house in its entire history.

A Moment Seven Years in the Making

The Salt Lake Temple has been undergoing an impressive transformation since January 2020, when it closed for seismic upgrades and comprehensive renovations. The wait is almost over. Come April 5, 2027, the public will finally get to experience the newly restored interior of one of the most iconic buildings in Salt Lake City.

Here’s the catch: you’ll have exactly six months to make it happen. The doors close to the general public on October 1, 2027, after which only members with active Temple recommends will be allowed inside.

We’re Talking MILLIONS of Visitors

The church isn’t downplaying this. They’re estimating between 3 to 5 million visitors will flood Salt Lake City during the open house period. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day—every single day for six months straight.

To put that in perspective: during the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City saw about 70,000 visitors daily, but that was compressed into just 17 days. This Temple open house is a whole different beast. The church is essentially preparing for the equivalent of hosting one session of their biannual general conference every single day for 180 days.

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

What to Expect During Your Visit

The Tour Experience

Tours will begin at the Church’s Conference Center, just north of Temple Square, then route underground directly into the Temple itself. The interior tour takes approximately 60 to 80 minutes, but plan for a longer experience overall. Once you’re inside the perimeter of Temple Square, you’ll have access to the recently added statues and other church buildings. The entire outing could easily take several hours.

The church is calling special missionaries to serve as docents and guides throughout the open house period, so you’ll have knowledgeable people on hand to answer questions and share insights.

Getting There (No, Seriously, They’ve Got a Plan)

With millions of people converging on downtown Salt Lake City, traffic management is paramount. Here’s what the church and city have arranged:

Public Transportation: The church has partnered with UTA to offer discounted transit. Ticket holders can use TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus services to get downtown. Church employees will receive free UTA passes for the entire six-month period to help reduce congestion.

Park and Ride: A new lighted, secure park-and-ride lot is being set up at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service directly to Temple Square.

How to Book Your Tour

Wondering when you can snag your spot? In late August or early September 2027, the church will launch a dedicated app for booking tour times. This will allow you to reserve your visit in advance, which should help manage the flow of visitors and prevent chaos at the gates.

Pro tip: If you’re a nearby business owner or resident, the church is inviting you to tour the Temple in March 2027, before the general public gates open. That’s your chance to experience it with smaller crowds.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another tourist attraction opening its doors. The Salt Lake Temple is an architectural and historical treasure that has been largely off-limits to the public for over a century. The extensive renovations have brought it into the modern era while preserving its historical significance. For many people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step inside a building that’s been central to Salt Lake City’s identity for generations.

Whether you’re a member of the faith, a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about one of Utah’s most recognizable buildings, mark your calendar.

April 5 – October 1, 2027. Don’t miss it.