Get Ready! The Salt Lake Temple is Opening Its Doors to Everyone (Yes, Really!)

After more than 130 years of keeping its doors closed to the general public, the Salt Lake Temple is about to become one of the most visited religious destinations in the world. And we’re not exaggerating—the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is expecting between 3 to 5 million visitors to tour the beautifully renovated Temple during its historic open house next year.

Let that sink in for a moment. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people every single day for six months straight.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

The last time members of the public could actually walk through the doors of the Salt Lake Temple? Try 1893. Yes, you read that right. Over a century has passed since the general public had this opportunity, making next year’s open house literally a once-in-a-lifetime event for most people.

The Temple closed on January 1, 2020, for major seismic upgrades and extensive renovations—work that’s been transformative both inside and out. Now, with reconstruction wrapping up by the end of this year, Salt Lake City is bracing itself for what could be the most significant religious tourism event in modern history.

Here’s What You Need to Know

When Can You Visit?

Mark your calendars: April 5 through October 1, 2027. After October 1st, the Temple will return to members-only access. That’s your window—don’t miss it!

How Do You Get In?

Booking is about to get super easy. In late August or early September, the Church will launch a dedicated app where you can reserve your tour time. The app will let you pick your preferred date and time, so you won’t have to show up and hope for the best.

Tickets are free, by the way. Yes, you read that correctly too.

Planning for the Crowds

City officials and Church leaders know this is going to be massive. We’re talking Olympics-level traffic (the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics drew about 70,000 visitors per day, but that was only for 17 days). To handle the expected influx, here’s what’s being set up:

Transportation Options:

• TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus service through UTA are all coordinated for Temple visitors
• A new park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with secure parking, lighting, and regular shuttle service to Temple Square
• Free UTA passes for Church employees during the six-month period to help reduce downtown congestion

Smart planning? Absolutely.

What’s the Actual Tour Like?

The experience starts at the Church’s Conference Center, just north of Temple Square. From there, you’ll head underground to the Temple itself—a cool architectural feature that will handle the flow of visitors smoothly.

Once inside the Temple, expect to spend 60 to 80 minutes touring the building. But here’s the thing: once you’re within the perimeter, you’ll also have access to the entire Temple Square, including brand-new statues and other Church buildings. Plan for several hours if you want to really soak it all in.

The Church is bringing in special missionaries to serve as docents and guides throughout the open house period, so you’ll have knowledgeable people around to answer questions and share details about the Temple’s history and renovations.

Early Access for the Neighborhood

Before the general public floods in, the Church is extending an invitation to nearby residents and businesses to tour the Temple in March 2027. It’s a nice gesture that gives the local community first dibs on experiencing the newly renovated space.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another tourist event. The Salt Lake Temple is one of the most iconic religious buildings in North America, and millions of people are genuinely curious about what’s inside. For members of the Church, it’s a deeply meaningful opportunity to see the freshly restored Temple before it closes to public access again. For everyone else, it’s a rare chance to experience a significant piece of American religious and architectural history.

Get Ready, Salt Lake City

Whether you’re a member of the Church, a history enthusiast, an architecture buff, or just someone curious about what all the fuss is about, next year is going to be special. Pack your patience, download that app when it launches, and prepare yourself for one of the most extraordinary tours you might ever take.

The Salt Lake Temple is coming back to life—and it’s ready to welcome the world.