The Salt Lake Temple is Opening Its Doors—And It’s Going to Be EPIC

If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of the historic Salt Lake Temple looks like, next year is your chance. After more than 130 years of keeping its doors closed to the general public, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is throwing open the gates for an unprecedented six-month celebration.

And folks, this is going to be massive.

What’s Happening?

Starting April 5, 2027, and running through October 1, the Salt Lake Temple will welcome visitors from around the globe. The church is bracing for between 3 million to 5 million people—yes, you read that right—which translates to roughly 20,000 to 29,000 visitors daily. That’s equivalent to hosting one of their twice-yearly general conferences every single day for half a year.

To put that in perspective, that’s nearly double the daily attendance during the entire 2002 Winter Olympics, which drew about 70,000 people per day over just 17 days.

What Will You See?

The Temple has undergone a complete transformation. After closing on January 1, 2020, for seismic upgrades and extensive renovations, the historic building will emerge refreshed and reinforced. Visitors can expect:

• A guided tour of the Temple itself (60 to 80 minutes of pure architectural and historical wonder)
• Access to Temple Square featuring brand-new statues and installations
• Other church buildings on the grounds
• A full experience that could easily consume several hours

The tour kicks off at the Church’s Conference Center just north of Temple Square, then takes you underground directly into the Temple. It’s a carefully orchestrated journey designed to accommodate the staggering number of guests.

How to Get There (Without the Headache)

The Church and Salt Lake City are working together to manage traffic and transportation because, let’s be honest, parking could be a nightmare. Here’s the good news:

Free or Discounted Transit Options:

• The Church has partnered with UTA (Utah Transit Authority) to offer special access to TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus services
• A dedicated park-and-ride lot is being created at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service to Temple Square
• Church employees will receive free UTA passes for the entire six months to help ease downtown congestion

Yes, they’re really thinking this through.

How to Book Your Spot

In late August or early September 2027, the Church will launch a mobile app for booking tour times. This staggered ticketing system is key to managing the crowds and ensuring everyone gets a quality experience rather than a cattle-call situation.

Pro tip: If you’re a neighbor or work nearby, the Church is inviting local businesses and residents to tour in March 2027—before the general public arrives. Not a bad way to beat the rush.

Special Touches

The Church is calling special missionaries to serve as docents throughout the open house. These trained guides will help orient visitors and share the Temple’s rich history and significance.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another tourist attraction opening for the season. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step inside a building that has been largely off-limits to the public for over a century. The last time the general public could tour the Salt Lake Temple? You’d have to go back to the 1890s.

The seismic upgrades and renovations represent a massive investment in preserving this iconic building for future generations while making it safer and more resilient. Visitors will get to see the results of that work firsthand.

Mark Your Calendars

April 5 through October 1, 2027—that’s your window. Whether you’re a church member, a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or just curious about one of Utah’s most recognizable buildings, this is an event worth planning for.

Start thinking now about when you’ll make the trip. With millions of others, it’s going to be quite the scene. Just maybe book that TRAX ticket in advance.