Get Ready to Experience the Newly Renovated Salt Lake Temple: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve been waiting over 130 years for a chance to see inside the iconic Salt Lake Temple, 2027 is your year! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced an unprecedented public open house that will welcome millions of visitors to explore the beautifully restored Temple on Temple Square.
What’s Happening and When?
Mark your calendars: April 5 through October 1, 2027. That’s right—six glorious months of access to one of Utah’s most historically significant buildings. After October 2027, the Temple will be reserved exclusively for church members with active temple recommends, making this a rare window of opportunity.
The numbers are staggering. Church leaders estimate that between 3 to 5 million people will tour the Temple during this period. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 visitors every single day—comparable to hosting an entire general conference session daily for half a year. To put that in perspective, that’s nearly double the daily attendance during the 2002 Olympics!
Why the Big Deal?
The Salt Lake Temple has been closed since January 1, 2020, undergoing major seismic upgrades and comprehensive renovations. These weren’t minor touch-ups—this was a complete restoration of the historic structure. After nearly seven years of careful work, the Temple will emerge more resilient and more beautiful than ever.
This is genuinely historic. It’s been over a century since the general public could walk through these doors.
How Do You Get Tickets?
The church will launch a booking app in late August or early September where you can reserve your tour time. Tours will take 60 to 80 minutes to walk through the Temple itself, and when you factor in exploring Temple Square and the surrounding church buildings, plan for several hours of your day.
Getting There Made Easy
Concerned about parking in downtown Salt Lake City during the busiest tourism event the city may have ever seen? The church has you covered:
- TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus passes are arranged with UTA for ticket holders
- A new park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road will offer lighted, secure parking with regular shuttle service to Temple Square
- Church employees will receive free UTA passes for the entire six months to help reduce downtown traffic congestion
What’s the Tour Experience Like?
Here’s how it works: You’ll begin your tour at the Church’s Conference Center just north of Temple Square, then proceed underground into the Temple itself. This means no bumping through crowds on the street—visitors travel protected through a secure route.
Once inside the perimeter, you’ll have access to not only the Temple but also the newly redesigned Temple Square, fresh statues, and other church buildings. You could easily spend an entire afternoon experiencing everything.
VIP Early Access
Want to skip some of the summer crowds? The church is inviting nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027—before the general public arrives. If you live or work nearby, keep an eye out for this exclusive opportunity.
The Missionaries Are Ready
The church plans to call special missionaries to serve as docents and guides throughout the open house period. These knowledgeable volunteers will be stationed throughout the Temple to answer questions and help visitors understand the historical and architectural significance of what they’re seeing.
One Final Thought
This isn’t just another tourist attraction—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a building that’s been central to Salt Lake City’s identity for nearly 150 years. Whether you’re a church member, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about Utah’s architectural heritage, 2027 promises to be an extraordinary year for Temple visitors.
Start planning now, download that app when it launches, and prepare to be part of something truly special. Salt Lake City is ready for you.