Get Ready for History: The Salt Lake Temple Is Opening Its Doors!

It’s official—after more than 130 years, the public is finally invited back inside one of Salt Lake City’s most iconic buildings. The Salt Lake Temple is throwing open its doors in 2027, and it’s going to be massive.

What’s the Big Deal?

Picture this: it’s 1893, and everyday people could tour the Salt Lake Temple. Fast forward to today, and we’re about to witness something unprecedented. Starting April 5, 2027, through October 1, 2027, you’ll have a six-month window to experience the completely renovated Temple firsthand. After that? Access becomes restricted to church members only, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most visitors.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints closed the Temple on January 1, 2020, for critical seismic upgrades and major renovations. Now, with everything polished and perfected, they’re preparing for an absolutely staggering number of guests—we’re talking 3 to 5 million visitors over six months. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day.

To put that in perspective, that’s like hosting one full session of the church’s biannual general conference every single day for half a year. And to compare it to something Salt Lake City knows well: the 2002 Winter Olympics averaged 70,000 visitors per day, but only for 17 days. This? This is sustained.

Planning for Success

Salt Lake City and the church aren’t taking this lightly. Officials are preparing for larger crowds rather than smaller ones—a smart move to keep things running smoothly.

Here’s how they’re making it work:

• Tickets go digital: In late August or early September, the church will launch an app for booking your tour time. No more scrambling for paper tickets!
• Transportation made easy: They’ve partnered with UTA (Utah Transit Authority) so ticket holders can ride TRAX, FrontRunner, and buses directly downtown. Even better? There’s a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service straight to Temple Square. Church employees are even getting free UTA passes for the entire six months to help cut down on traffic congestion.

Inside the Temple

Ready for the tour itself? Here’s what to expect:

The experience kicks off at the Church’s Conference Center, just north of Temple Square. From there, you’ll head underground directly into the Temple—a pretty cool architectural move. The actual Temple tour runs 60 to 80 minutes, giving you plenty of time to take in all the details of the restoration work.

But here’s the thing: you’re not just getting a Temple tour. Once you’re inside the perimeter, you’ll have access to all of Temple Square, including the brand-new statues, plus other church buildings. All told, plan for several hours if you want the full experience.

The People Behind the Magic

The church is getting serious about hospitality. They’ve organized to call special missionaries who’ll serve as docents, guiding visitors through the Temple and sharing its history. These dedicated volunteers will be essential to keeping things organized and welcoming as crowds flow through.

A Special Preview

Here’s a nice touch: nearby residents and local businesses get a sneak peek in March 2027, before the general public arrives on April 5. It’s a respectful nod to the Salt Lake City neighbors who’ve watched and waited through the renovation period.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a building tour. It’s a rare chance to see inside a place that’s been off-limits to the public for over a century. The seismic upgrades and extensive renovations have transformed the Temple while preserving its historic character. Whether you’re a member of the church curious about the updates or simply interested in Salt Lake City’s architectural and cultural heritage, this is an event worth marking on your calendar.

Start planning now. Download that app when it launches this fall. Get your transportation sorted. And prepare for something truly special—because in 2027, Salt Lake City is about to experience one of the most significant building openings in decades.

The Salt Lake Temple‘s doors are opening. Don’t miss it.