Get Ready for History: The Salt Lake Temple is Opening Its Doors!
Picture this: It’s spring 2027, and you’re standing in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City about to step inside one of the most iconic religious buildings in America. Sound exciting? That’s because it absolutely is!
After more than 130 years of being off-limits to the general public, the Salt Lake Temple is throwing open its doors for an unforgettable six-month celebration, and you’re invited.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment
Let’s be honest—this is huge. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Salt Lake City are preparing for what will be the largest Temple open house event the church has ever hosted. We’re talking 3 to 5 million visitors expected to tour this beautifully restored architectural masterpiece between April 5 and October 1, 2027.
To put that in perspective, that’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people daily—equivalent to filling one session of the church’s biannual general conference every single day for half a year. Even the 2002 Olympics brought 70,000 daily visitors, but only for 17 days. This is a whole different level of epic.
What Exactly Happened to the Temple?
The Salt Lake Temple closed on January 1, 2020, for major seismic upgrades and comprehensive renovations. Seven years of careful restoration work will be complete by the end of 2026, transforming this 1893 building into a modern marvel while honoring its historical significance. The results? Absolutely stunning.
Here’s What to Expect
The Tour Experience
Ready for the main event? Here’s how it’ll work:
Your journey begins at the Conference Center, just north of Temple Square. From there, you’ll travel underground directly into the Temple itself—pretty cool, right? The actual tour inside the building takes 60 to 80 minutes, but plan for a longer experience. Once you’re inside the perimeter, you’ll have full access to Temple Square, including its brand-new statues and other church buildings. The entire experience could easily stretch into several hours of exploration and discovery.
Special missionaries will be called to serve as docents during the open house, so you’ll have knowledgeable guides helping you understand what you’re seeing. This isn’t a rushed, hurried experience—it’s designed to be meaningful and memorable.
Getting There (The Practical Stuff)
The church and city have teamed up to make logistics smooth:
Transportation Options:
- UTA Transit: The church has arranged partnerships with UTA so ticket holders can use TRAX, FrontRunner, and buses to head downtown
- Park and Ride: A brand-new lighted, secure park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road will offer regular shuttle service directly to Temple Square
- Free Passes for Employees: Church employees will receive complimentary UTA passes for all six months, helping reduce downtown traffic congestion
How to Book Your Spot
Tickets will open in late August or early September 2027 through a dedicated church app. This streamlined booking system will help manage the expected crowds and ensure everyone gets a chance to visit.
Pro tip: If you live nearby, the church is inviting local businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027, before the general public rush begins. That might be your chance for a less crowded experience!
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another tourist attraction opening up. The Salt Lake Temple has been a closed, sacred space for over a century. Getting a glimpse inside represents a rare opportunity to see inside a building that’s been central to Salt Lake City’s identity since the 1800s. The combination of historical significance, architectural beauty, and modern restoration makes this a truly special moment.
Mark Your Calendars
April 5 – October 1, 2027
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about one of Salt Lake City’s most famous buildings, the Salt Lake Temple open house is shaping up to be the event of 2027.
Get ready. This is going to be incredible.
Stay tuned for more details as the open house date approaches. Tickets will be available through the church’s app in late August/early September 2027.