Salt Lake Temple Fact Sheet

The Salt Lake Temple is about to enter a remarkable new chapter. After more than a century as one of Utah’s most recognizable landmarks—and an extensive renovation and seismic strengthening project—the historic temple will open its doors to the public for a special celebration from April 5 through October 1, 2027. 

Visitors will have the rare opportunity to step inside this sacred and iconic building, experience its newly renovated interior, and explore the history, faith and craftsmanship that have made it a symbol of Salt Lake City for generations.

Everyone is welcome, making the 2027 open house a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the Salt Lake Temple before it is rededicated and returns to sacred temple worship.

The Beginning: 1847-1853

  •  July 28, 1847: Just days after the first pioneer company entered the Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young identified the location where the temple would be built. 
  • February 14, 1853: Ground was officially broken for the Salt Lake Temple, with Heber C. Kimball dedicating the site. 
  • April 6, 1853: The temple’s cornerstones were laid and dedicated. 
  • Architect Truman O. Angell worked with Brigham Young on the design. The architecture incorporated symbols representing priesthood, temple covenants and the plan of salvation. 

40 Years of Building: 1853-1893

  • The temple took 40 years to complete—1853 to 1893.
  • Builders chose granite from Little Cottonwood Canyon, roughly 20 miles from Temple Square.
  • For approximately the first 20 years, enormous granite stones were transported primarily by wagon teams. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s dramatically improved transportation.
  • Construction faced repeated setbacks from weather, poor harvests and problems with the original foundation. Portions of the basement walls had to be removed and foundation work replaced, contributing to a delay of about five years.
  • Thousands contributed through labor, donations and sacrifice. One young woman, Margaret Shelton Kinsey, gathered bits of wool caught on fences, sold the wool and donated the money toward construction.
  • Brigham Young died in 1877, 16 years before the temple was completed.

Did you Know? Unexpected Technology

  • By the final stages of construction, plans had evolved considerably. Engineer Joseph Don Carlos Young, one of Brigham Young’s sons, helped oversee completion and incorporated surprisingly modern technology, including:

    • Steel framing
    • Electric lighting
    • Steam heating
    • Elevators

The Capstone: April 6, 1892

    • After nearly 39 years of construction, the exterior was essentially complete.
    • On April 6, 1892, enormous crowds gathered on and around Temple Square for the capstone ceremony.
    • The approximately 12-foot Angel Moroni statue was placed atop the east center spire. 
    • The Saints then made a major push to finish the interior exactly one year later—the 40th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstones.

1893 Open House

  • The Salt Lake Temple’s FIRST public open house was held April 5, 1893, immediately before the dedication. 
  • Church historical sources report that about 500 dignitaries, politicians and members of the media toured the temple before its dedication. 
  • Another Church account, citing contemporary local press, reports that approximately 5,000 people—most of them not members of the Church—toured the temple before dedication.
  • Contemporary reporting described visitors being impressed by the richness and craftsmanship of the interior. 

Dedication: April 6, 1893

  • President Wilford Woodruff dedicated the Salt Lake Temple on April 6, 1893—exactly 40 years after the cornerstones were laid. 
  • The initial dedication period included 31 dedicatory sessions between April 6 and April 24. 
  • Additional dedicatory services continued afterward; Church historical material reports approximately 75,000 people attended dedicatory services in 1893. 

2027 Open House

  • For the first time since 1893, the public will again have the extraordinary opportunity to tour the Salt Lake Temple before its rededication. Church historical material notes that the last time the temple was open to the general public was April 1893.
  • Open to everyone from April 5 through October 1, 2027, following more than six years of extensive renovation and seismic upgrades.
  • Experience the newly renovated interior of one of Utah’s most iconic landmarks and learn more about the purpose and significance of temples.
  • Explore Temple Square with exhibits, performances, activities and other experiences taking place throughout the six-month celebration.
  • Timed reservations are recommended for the temple tour, with reservations opening September 1, 2026.
  • See the Salt Lake Temple as few generations have—the temple has not been open for public tours since its original dedication in 1893.
  • A memorable experience for visitors of all ages, whether you’re a longtime Utah resident, a member of the Church, or simply interested in history, architecture and the remarkable story of Temple Square.

Dedication: 2027

  • While the rededication date has not yet been announced, we look forward to a return to sacred temple worship after the temple has been closed since 2020 for renovation.
  • The rededication will mark a new chapter for one of the most recognizable and historically significant temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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