The Salt Lake Temple is Coming Back—And It’s Going to Be HUGE

After more than seven years of seismic upgrades and extensive renovations, one of the most iconic buildings in Salt Lake City is ready for its grand reopening. And let me tell you, this is going to be an event unlike anything the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has ever pulled off.

Starting April 5, 2027, the doors of the Salt Lake Temple will swing open to the public for the first time in over 130 years. Yes, you read that right—130 years. If you’ve ever wanted to see inside this historic downtown building, next year is literally your shot.

Expect the Crowds

Let’s be real: this is going to be packed. The church is estimating somewhere between 3 to 5 million visitors over the six-month period running through October 1, 2027. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day. To put that in perspective, that’s equivalent to fitting one of the church’s twice-yearly general conferences worth of attendees through the doors every single day for half a year.

For context, the 2002 Winter Olympics drew about 70,000 visitors per day to Salt Lake City—but that was only for 17 days. This open house is going to be relentless.

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

How to Get Your Tour

Mark your calendar: In late August or early September, the church will launch an app where you can book your tour time. This is the official ticket system, so keep an eye out for the announcement.

Getting downtown? No problem. The church has partnered with UTA to provide access to TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus service. If you prefer to drive, they’re leasing a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service directly to Temple Square.

Here’s a nice perk: Church employees are getting free UTA passes for the entire six months to help ease downtown traffic congestion. And if you’re a nearby business or resident? The church is inviting you to tour the Temple in March 2027, before the general public rush begins.

What to Expect Inside

The tour experience is carefully planned. You’ll start at the Church’s Conference Center just north of Temple Square, then head underground into the Temple itself. The interior tour takes about 60 to 80 minutes, but the entire experience could stretch several hours once you factor in Temple Square, the new statues, and other adjacent church buildings you can explore.

The church is bringing in special missionaries to serve as docents and guides throughout the open house period, so you’ll have knowledgeable people helping you navigate this incredible space.

A Historic Moment

This is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When the Temple closes to the public on October 2, 2027, only church members with active temple recommends will be allowed inside. So if you’ve been curious about what’s behind those doors, you have a six-month window to make it happen.

The city and the church have been collaborating on logistics to handle what will be the largest temple open house in church history. Everything from traffic management to tour scheduling has been thought through.

Mark your calendars. Start planning your trip. And get ready to be part of something truly spectacular.

The Salt Lake Temple is coming back, and Salt Lake City will never be quite the same.