The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Tuesday that the Salt Lake Temple will host a six-month open house from April 5 through October 1, 2027, themed "Rejoice in Christ."
The celebration will welcome members and non-members to tour the newly renovated temple and learn about the church's theological teachings. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, announced the decision at a media event Tuesday morning.
"This celebration invites people to understand the teachings of Christ and His role in God's plan," Uchtdorf said at the West Temple Entrance Building.
The Salt Lake Temple, dedicated in 1893, has undergone a major renovation since 2020 that included extensive structural work, updated facilities and modernized infrastructure across its 253,000 square feet.
Access to the temple during regular operations is restricted to church members in good standing. The public celebration will offer a rare opportunity for those outside the faith to see the interior and learn about its architectural and spiritual features.
"We want our neighbors and friends from around the world to feel welcome," Uchtdorf said. "This is an opportunity to build understanding and share what the temple means to us."
The church has organized similar public celebrations at other temples in recent years, including open houses at temples in Provo, Utah and Washington, D.C. Those events drew hundreds of thousands of visitors and generated significant local economic activity.
Salt Lake City officials said they are coordinating with the church on visitor management, parking and public safety planning for the six-month period. The city anticipates the celebration will draw considerable foot traffic to the downtown core and Capitol Hill neighborhood.
"We're anticipating significant regional and national interest," said a spokesperson for the Salt Lake City Mayor's Office. "We're working with the church and community partners to ensure the celebration proceeds smoothly."
Local hotels and businesses have begun preparing for what many expect will be elevated demand. The timing aligns with spring and summer tourism seasons when Salt Lake City typically sees higher visitation.
Church planners have outlined several visitor features for the celebration period. Tours will be guided and structured to accommodate large volumes of people while maintaining a contemplative atmosphere. Educational materials and multimedia presentations will explain the temple's purpose and design. The church is also coordinating with community groups to ensure accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
Temple Square, the adjacent plaza and visitor center complex, will operate as usual during the celebration, offering exhibits, performances and cultural programming throughout the six-month window. The church may expand some programming during the peak tourist months of June, July and August.
Temple operations for members will continue during the public celebration on a modified schedule. Active members will have designated times for religious ordinances and ceremonies, while public visiting hours will occupy other periods.
The church has not released specific details about ticket pricing, advance registration requirements or daily visitor capacity limits. Those logistics are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Local community leaders have expressed support for the initiative. "The Salt Lake Temple is part of our city's identity and history," said Salt Lake City Council member Chris Wharton. "Events like this open house help build community connections and allow people to learn about one another."
The celebration comes as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues a broader renovation initiative affecting multiple temples across North America. The Salt Lake location, as the church's flagship temple and the centerpiece of its ecclesiastical and administrative headquarters complex, holds particular prominence within the faith community.
