Get Ready for History: The Salt Lake Temple Open House is Coming in 2027
It’s official—Salt Lake City is about to experience one of the biggest tourism events in its history. Starting April 5, 2027, the doors of the recently renovated Salt Lake Temple will swing open to the public for the first time in over 130 years. And we’re talking big. Like, millions-of-people big.
What’s the Hype?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is preparing for somewhere between 3 to 5 million visitors to tour the Temple during the six-month open house period (running through October 1, 2027). That translates to roughly 20,000 to 29,000 daily visitors—imagine funneling the entire attendance of one of the church’s biannual general conferences through the doors every single day for half a year.
To put this in perspective, the 2002 Olympic Winter Games brought an estimated 70,000 visitors daily to Salt Lake City, but that was only for 17 days. This open house will be running for 180 days. Yeah, it’s a massive undertaking.
“We’re planning for a larger number rather than a smaller number so that we don’t get overwhelmed,” said officials overseeing the event.
Why All the Excitement?
The Salt Lake Temple closed on January 1, 2020, for much-needed seismic upgrades and extensive renovations. After seven years of construction work, the historic building will finally be ready to show off its refreshed interior and structural improvements to the world. For context, the last time the general public could freely walk through these doors was way back in the 1800s. This is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Salt Lake City.
What to Expect During Your Visit
The Tour Experience
Tours will kick off at the Church’s Conference Center, located just north of Temple Square. From there, visitors will take an underground route directly into the Temple itself. The actual tour of the building takes 60 to 80 minutes, but if you factor in exploring Temple Square (which features new statues and other church buildings), you could easily spend several hours on-site. It’s not just a quick walk-through—it’s an experience.
Special missionaries will be called to serve as docents throughout the open house period, so expect knowledgeable, friendly guides showing you around.
How to Get Your Tickets
In late August or early September 2027, the church will launch a mobile app specifically designed for booking your tour time. This will help manage the crowds and ensure things run smoothly.
Getting Downtown Without the Headache
Here’s where logistics get clever. The church has partnered with UTA (Utah Transit Authority) to give all ticket holders free access to TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus services. If you prefer driving, don’t worry—they’re leasing a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service directly to Temple Square.
Church employees are getting free UTA passes for the entire six-month period to help reduce downtown traffic congestion. Smart planning.
Early Access for Neighbors
Want to skip the summer crowds? The church is inviting nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027, before the general public arrives. It’s a nice way to let the local community experience it first without the massive tourist influx.
Mark Your Calendars
Public Open House: April 5 – October 1, 2027
Ticket Booking App Launch: Late August or early September 2027
After October 2: The Temple will return to being accessible only to church members with active temple recommends
Salt Lake City is about to welcome the world, and this open house will undoubtedly be one of the most significant cultural events the city has seen in decades. Whether you’re a member of the faith, a history buff, or simply curious about one of Salt Lake City’s most iconic buildings, 2027 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year.
Start planning now—you won’t want to miss this.