Ryman Auditorium
- Visit: 45 min
- from USD 8.50
- Ideal for a special occasion
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What's on here
Don't Look Ethel! A Salute to the Musical Genius of Ray Stevens
Monday, 19:00
30th Annual Concert for Cumberland Heights
Monday, 19:30
Sawyer Brown
Friday, 20:00
Andrew Peterson: Behold the Lamb of God
6 Dec – 7 Dec
Amy Grant & Vince Gill: Christmas at the Ryman
14 Dec – 23 Dec
This Winter’s Night with Lady A
Monday, 15:00
Why go
- Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams, Bill Monroe and Patsy Cline made their Opry debuts here.
- Most episodes of The Johnny Cash Show were recorded here and broadcast from 1969 to 1971.
Opening hours
Today09:00 – 16:00Show all
Interesting facts4
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The 2,362-seat auditorium is nicknamed the Mother Church of Country Music.
Ryman Auditorium - Wikipedia -
Before it had a true backstage area, performers waited in the wings, hallways and alley; some crossed to Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and nearby bars to play music.
Ryman Auditorium - Wikipedia -
1939
In 1939, event booker Lula C. Naff won a lawsuit that invalidated the law creating Nashville’s Board of Censors.
Ryman Auditorium - Wikipedia -
2019
Wu-Tang Clan played the auditorium’s first concert consisting solely of hip-hop music in 2019.
Ryman Auditorium - Wikipedia
History
After Thomas Ryman died, the tabernacle was renamed in his honor. WSM later bought it and renamed it the Grand Ole Opry House. After the Opry moved, the downtown building resumed the Ryman Auditorium name to distinguish it from the new venue. It remained open for heritage tourism while vacant.
- 1892Thomas Ryman led construction of Union Gospel Tabernacle for revivals; architect Hugh Cathcart Thompson designed the building.
- 1943–1974The Grand Ole Opry broadcast from the auditorium weekly. The final show took place on March 15, 1974.
- 1971The auditorium was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1974The Opry moved to a new concert hall, and a circle cut from the Ryman’s stage was installed there.
- 1991Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers gave three acoustic concerts from April 30 to May 2. The concerts and album acclaim renewed interest in reviving the venue.
Show all
- 1993Renovation began in September, adding modern facilities and air conditioning for the first time.
- 1994The auditorium reopened in June as a concert venue and museum.
- 2001It became a National Historic Landmark for its role in popularizing country music.
Tips for your visit
- The Soul of Nashville tour begins with a short holographic film about the auditorium’s history.
- The film features an original song by Darius Rucker, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill and the Fisk Jubilee Singers, with an actress portraying Lula C. Naff.
Best time to visit
- The auditorium is open daily from 09:00 to 16:00.
Know before you go
- Service animals and guide dogs are welcome inside.
Don't miss
- Original wooden pewsThe original wooden pews were refurbished and returned to use during the renovation.Auditorium seating
- Rock Hall at the Ryman exhibitThis permanent exhibit explores the Ryman’s influence on rock music, with artifacts linked to Elvis Presley, James Brown, Joan Jett, Foo Fighters and Dolly Parton.A wing of the auditorium
- Surviving oak stage stripThe stage was replaced with Brazilian teak in 2012, retaining an 18-inch strip of its former oak floor.Stage
How to get there
- ParkingThe main entrance is on Fourth Avenue North, beside the plaza and Thomas Ryman statue; the street address is on Fifth Avenue North.
- ParkingPaid parking lots and street meters are located around the auditorium.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible tours Both backstage and self-guided tours are wheelchair accessible.
- Accessible seating Available on the main floor and balcony at public events.
- Lift The lobby elevator reaches the balcony.
Sources: Ryman Auditorium - Wikipedia · Nashville - Wikivoyage (do) · Nashville Concert Tickets & Live Music Venue | … · Accessibility | Ryman Auditorium · Ryman Haunted History Tour - Ryman Auditorium · Ryman Auditorium - Wikipedia · Ryman Auditorium - Wikipedia · checked 10 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
What is the difference between guided and self-guided tours at Ryman Auditorium?
Guided tours include backstage access. Self-guided tours have exhibits in cases around the auditorium.
How long is the Ryman Haunted History Tour?
It lasts 45 minutes and includes access beneath the stage.
Who are the dressing rooms at Ryman Auditorium named after?
Each room is dedicated to a major performer, including Johnny Cash and Minnie Pearl.
Is Cafe Lula at Ryman Auditorium still open?
It closed in 2020 and did not reopen. An expanded memorabilia shop opened in its former space in 2023.
Does the Grand Ole Opry still have its regular winter season at Ryman Auditorium?
The annual winter season was suspended in 2020. Shows returned for a month in January 2023 and three nights in January 2024.
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