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

It’s been 130 years. That’s right—over a century since the general public has been able to step foot inside the iconic Salt Lake Temple. And next year? That’s all about to change in the biggest, boldest way possible.

Starting April 5, 2027, the doors of this historic building will swing wide open for a six-month celebration that Salt Lake City has never seen before. We’re talking about an event so massive that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is expecting 3 to 5 million visitors to flood downtown Salt Lake City through October 1, 2027. That’s roughly 20,000 to 29,000 people per day—every single day—for half a year.

Let’s put that in perspective: Even the 2002 Winter Olympics, which drew a whopping 70,000 visitors daily, happened in just 17 days. This open house will stretch across 180 days. It’s the largest Temple open house the church has ever attempted. Ever.

What’s Been Going On?

The Salt Lake Temple closed its doors on January 1, 2020, for some serious upgrades. We’re talking comprehensive seismic improvements and extensive renovations designed to preserve this architectural treasure while bringing it into the modern era. The good news? All that work wraps up by the end of this year, and the building will be ready to welcome visitors in just a few months.

Planning for the Crowds

Let’s be honest—handling 5 million people in one location is no small feat. But Salt Lake City and the Church aren’t tackling this alone. Here’s what they’re putting in place:

Getting There: The Church has partnered with UTA to make public transportation easy and accessible. Visitors can hop on TRAX, FrontRunner, or the bus to get downtown without dealing with parking nightmares. For those who prefer to drive, the Church is leasing a lighted, secure park-and-ride lot at South Temple and Redwood Road with regular shuttle service straight to Temple Square. Church employees will even receive free UTA passes for the entire six months to help reduce downtown traffic congestion.

Booking Your Spot: In late August or early September 2027, the Church will launch a dedicated app where you can reserve your tour time. Smart planning means no last-minute scrambles.

A Preview for Locals: Before the general public arrives in April, neighbors and nearby business owners get their chance to tour in March 2027. It’s a nice gesture that helps introduce the newly renovated Temple to those who see it every day.

What to Expect on Your Visit

This isn’t a quick dash through the building. Plan to spend some serious time:

The Tour Route: Visitors will start at the Conference Center, just north of Temple Square, then journey underground directly into the Temple itself. The actual Temple tour runs 60 to 80 minutes, giving you a genuine sense of the intricate details and beauty throughout the building.

The Full Experience: Once you’re inside the perimeter, you’re not limited to just the Temple. You’ll have access to the entire Temple Square, including brand new statues and other church buildings. When you factor in exploring the grounds, the entire visit could easily stretch into several hours.

Expert Guides: The Church is calling special missionaries to serve as docents throughout the open house period. These trained guides will help bring the Temple’s history and significance to life.

Mark Your Calendar

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whether you’re a church member curious about the renovations, a history enthusiast fascinated by 19th-century architecture, or simply someone wanting to be part of a major Salt Lake City event, the Salt Lake Temple open house is shaping up to be unforgettable.

The Easter displays are already up on Temple Square, and the Church’s semi-annual general conference (happening in April and October each year) will provide additional reasons to visit during the open house period.

After October 1, 2027, the Temple will close to the public once again—this time exclusively for church members with active Temple recommends. So if you’ve ever thought about visiting, next year is your moment.

Expect crowds. Expect long days. Expect to be part of history.

Welcome back, Salt Lake Temple. We’ve been waiting.