Get Ready for an Epic Adventure: The Salt Lake Temple Opens Its Doors to the World

After more than 130 years of keeping its doors closed to the general public, Salt Lake City’s iconic Salt Lake Temple is about to throw one of the most spectacular open houses the world has ever seen. And yes, you’re invited.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

Starting April 5, 2027, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will welcome an estimated 3 to 5 million visitors through the doors of the newly renovated Salt Lake Temple. To put that in perspective, that’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people every single day for six whole months.

Think about that for a second. The entire 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics drew about 70,000 visitors per day—but only for 17 days total. This open house? We’re talking about that kind of energy stretched across six months straight.

What’s Happening Inside (and Outside)

The Salt Lake Temple closed on January 1, 2020, for seismic upgrades and some seriously extensive renovations. But the wait is almost over. By the end of 2026, all the work will be complete, and the Temple will be ready for its grand reopening.

Here’s what visitors can expect:

The Tour Experience
Your journey starts at the Church’s Conference Center, just north of Temple Square, and winds its way underground directly into the Temple itself. The indoor tour takes 60 to 80 minutes of pure exploration. But that’s not all—you’ll also have access to Temple Square’s brand new statues and other church buildings. Plan for several hours total if you want the full experience.

Special missionaries will be called to serve as docents during the open house period, so you’ll have knowledgeable guides walking you through every incredible detail.

When Can You Book?
Tickets will become available through a brand-new church app launching in late August or early September 2027. Snag your time slot early to avoid the rush.

Getting There (The Smart Way)

The church isn’t leaving transportation to chance. They’ve partnered with UTA to make getting downtown as seamless as possible:

• TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus service will all accept open house tickets as transit passes
• A new park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road will offer free shuttle service directly to Temple Square
• Church employees are getting complimentary UTA passes for the entire six months to help reduce downtown congestion

Smart planning? Absolutely.

VIP Preview Coming

Nearby businesses and residents will get first dibs on touring the Temple in March 2027, before the general public arrives. Think of it as an exclusive preview night.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just another tour. It’s a chance to step inside a building that’s been closed to the public for longer than most of us have been alive. The Salt Lake Temple represents 140+ years of faith, resilience, and architectural beauty. After a complete renovation addressing modern seismic safety concerns, it’s about to reveal itself to the world.

Mark Your Calendar

April 5 – October 1, 2027

That’s your window. After October 2, the Temple returns to members-only access (with active temple recommends).

If you’re in or planning to visit Salt Lake City during spring and summer 2027, this is the experience you don’t want to miss. Just be prepared for crowds—really big crowds. But with solid planning from the church and the city working together, it should be an unforgettable adventure.

Start planning now. Download that app when it launches. And get ready to be part of history.