As the six-year mark of the Salt Lake Temple renovations approaches, here’s a a timeline of the project.
Salt Lake Temple renovation timeline
- April 19, 2019: Temple renovation announced
- Dec. 30, 2019: Temple closes, renovation starts
- Early 2020: COVID-19 pandemic affects supply chains and completion date
- March 18, 2020: Earthquake damages Angel Moroni statue
- March 2021: Capacities increase in baptistry and sealing rooms
- June 2021: 3 more floors added to temple
- October 2021: Stones removed from exterior of temple; Scaffolding erected
- April 11, 2022: Main Street plaza closes for renovation
- May 2022: Work begins on new temple floors, new visitors’ center, several plazas
- April 2023: Target completion date pushed back
- April 11, 2023: Renovation reaches halfway point
- Jan. 6, 2024: 3 plazas reopen: Main street, northwest and Church Office Building plazas
- Feb. 14, 2024: Last spire placed atop temple
- April 2, 2024: Angel Moroni statue returns atop temple
- Jan. 3, 2025: Workers finish drilling holes for cables
- Feb. 28, 2025: Southwest corner of Temple Square reopens
- Feb. 14, 2025: Open house announced
- April 2025: Interior painting begins
- April-October 2027: Open house scheduled
- October 2027: Doors set to reopen
Why are they renovating the Salt Lake Temple?
The primary purpose of the Salt Lake Temple renovations is to preserve the temple for future generations — including making it more earthquake resistant. This has been accomplished by installing base isolators underneath the building, which will allow it to move 10 feet in any direction in the case of an earthquake. The isolators are designed to absorb the shock, ideally preventing the building from crumbling.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is also renovating the temple’s interior. Many things that have been updated over the years will be returned as closely as possible to their original forms. They have also added several floors, a second baptistry and additional sealing rooms.
When he announced the temple’s renovations in 2019, President Russell M. Nelson said the renovations would “emphasize and highlight the life, ministry and mission of Jesus Christ in his desire to bless every nation, kindred, tongue and people.”
He said, “The project will enhance, refresh and beautify the temple and its surrounding grounds. Obsolete systems within the building will be replaced. Safety and seismic concerns will be addressed.”
When will the Salt Lake Temple reopen?
The temple is scheduled to reopen in October 2027 after a six-month open house — the longest temple open house in church history.
On Feb. 14, President Nelson wrote on social media that the “current and comprehensive renovation to strengthen this sacred house of the Lord for future generations is now nearing completion.”
He invited “friends to come and learn about God’s plan for his children and rejoice in the love of Jesus Christ,” during the open house.
President Nelson shared the open house news 172 years to the day after the temple’s groundbreaking on Feb. 14, 1853, which President Brigham Young said was “one of the most solemn, interesting, joyful and glorious occasions, that ever has or will transpire among the children of men.”
When the temple reopens, it will have increased capacities for a number of ordinances.
For continual updates on the Salt Lake Temple renovations, be sure to follow the Deseret News and Church News.