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Ryman Auditorium

City: Nashville, TN
Region: Middle Tennessee
Subregion: Nashville & Surrounding Areas

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2001, the Ryman has an impressive country music pedigree. Originally built as a revival hall in 1892 by riverboat captain Thomas G. Ryman [1841-1904], by the turn of the century the Ryman was one of the south’s premier venues for music and theater.

Artists such as Ethel Barrymore, Charlie Chaplin and Mae West graced its stage. As home to the Grand Ole Opry, the building gained nationwide recognition. From 1943-74, artists including Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Bill Monroe, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley helped shape country and bluegrass music from the Ryman stage. In 1974, when the Opry moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman closed its doors, remaining virtually empty for twenty years. In 1991, Emmy Lou Harris recorded a live album, “Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers at the Ryman,” in the auditorium.

This and several other country music events held in the building that year are credited with helping renew interest in restoring the Ryman. In 1993, owner Gaylord Entertainment announced a multi-million-dollar renovation. The Ryman reopened in 1994, quickly regaining its place as one of the country’s leading concert halls.

Self-guided museum tours and guided backstage tours available daily.

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