The multi-year renovation of the Salt Lake Temple, which began after the temple closed to patrons on Dec. 29, 2019, has reached advanced stages of completion as of mid-2026, according to official updates from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Exterior progress and roof installation
Scaffolding that had surrounded the temple for nearly six years was removed in March 2026, revealing the exterior once again. Stone paving crews are now defining walkways and gathering areas around the temple to accommodate future visitor traffic. The temple’s new copper roof has been fully installed, a milestone highlighted in the Church’s May 18, 2026, renovation update.
Interior finishing and decorative work
Inside the temple, workers are installing chandeliers in the celestial room, progressing on sealing rooms in the new sealing wing addition, assembling staircase railings, and completing intricate finishing details throughout the building. Additional work includes parquet wood flooring in entrance buildings and decorative fencing around the site.
Completed seismic and structural upgrades
Seismic upgrades, a core element of the project to strengthen the structure against earthquakes along the Wasatch Fault, are largely finished. These included installing a base isolation system with 98 isolators beneath the foundation, along with extensive post-tensioning cables and structural reinforcements from below the foundation to the spires. Stone cleaning of the granite exterior occurred alongside scaffolding removal earlier in 2026.
Temple Square completion and open house
The broader Temple Square renovation, which encompasses surrounding buildings and grounds, is on track for construction completion by the end of 2026. A six-month Salt Lake Temple Celebration, including public open house tours of the temple interior, is scheduled from April 5 through October 1, 2027. Reservations for the open house tours will open Sept. 1, 2026. The temple itself is expected to resume regular operations following the celebration.
Preservation efforts and visitor information
The project has involved careful preservation of historic pioneer-era craftsmanship while modernizing systems and enhancing capacity. Visitors can already access the newly opened Temple Square Visitors’ Center, which features exhibits and the “Inside a Temple” tour experience. For the latest details, the Church directs the public to templesquare.org.
