Get Ready for the Event of the Century: The Salt Lake Temple Open House is Coming in 2027
Hold onto your hats, Salt Lake City – something massive is heading your way. After more than 130 years of being off-limits to the general public, the iconic Salt Lake Temple is throwing open its doors in 2027, and it’s going to be absolutely extraordinary.
The Wait is Finally Over
When the Salt Lake Temple closed its doors on January 1, 2020, it marked the beginning of an ambitious transformation. Seven years of seismic upgrades and comprehensive renovations are wrapping up, and the results promise to be stunning. Come April 5, 2027, the public will finally get to step inside one of the most historically significant religious buildings in America.
This isn’t just any reopening – this is the largest temple open house the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has ever organized.
Expect Crowds (Lots of Them)
The Church is bracing for an absolute tsunami of visitors. We’re talking about an estimated 3 to 5 million people descending on Salt Lake City between April 5 and October 1, 2027. That translates to roughly 20,000 to 29,000 daily visitors – essentially the equivalent of one of the Church’s biannual general conferences happening every single day for six straight months.
To put that in perspective, the 2002 Winter Olympics drew about 70,000 visitors a day to Salt Lake City, but that was compressed into just 17 days with 1.5 million tickets sold. This open house is going to dwarf that – and it’s spread across six months.
“We’re planning for a larger number rather than a smaller number so that we don’t get overwhelmed,” says the Church’s planning team. Smart thinking.
How to Book Your Tour
Mark your calendars: In late August or early September 2027, the Church will launch a dedicated app where you can book your temple tour time slot. No more guessing games – just download the app and secure your spot.
Getting There is Part of the Plan
The Church isn’t leaving transportation to chance. Here’s what they’ve arranged:
Public Transit: UTA (Utah Transit Authority) pass holders can ride TRAX, FrontRunner, and buses directly downtown.
Park-and-Ride: The Church is leasing property at South Temple and Redwood Road to create a lighted, secure parking lot with regular shuttle service running straight to Temple Square.
Employee Support: Church employees will get free UTA passes for the entire six-month period to help reduce downtown traffic congestion.
What to Expect Inside
The tour experience is thoughtfully designed to accommodate massive crowds while maintaining intimacy:
- Starting Point: Tours begin at the Church’s Conference Center, just north of Temple Square
- Underground Access: A cool underground pathway connects you directly to the Temple itself
- Inside the Temple: Plan for 60 to 80 minutes exploring the interior
- Beyond the Temple: Once you’re through the perimeter, Temple Square opens up to you, featuring new statues and other Church buildings
- Total Time: The entire experience could easily take several hours
The Church is calling in special missionaries to serve as docents and guides throughout the open house period – these passionate volunteers will help bring the Temple’s history and significance to life.
VIP Preview: March 2027
Want to beat the crowds? The Church will invite nearby businesses and residents to tour the Temple in March 2027, before the general public rush begins. It’s a nice neighborly touch.
A Date with History
For the first time in 131 years, ordinary people will walk through the doors of the Salt Lake Temple. Whether you’re a member of the faith curious to see the newly renovated interior, a history buff interested in one of Utah’s most important buildings, or simply someone who loves witnessing major cultural events, this is happening. And it’s happening in 2027.
After October 1, 2027, the Temple will close to the public once again, with access limited to Church members with active temple recommends. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – one that might not come around for another century or more.
Start planning now. Download that app when it launches. And prepare yourself for one of the most remarkable events Salt Lake City has ever seen.
Have you been waiting for this news? Share your excitement in the comments below!