Ryman Auditorium

Established in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, Ryman Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark and must see for any Nashville visitor. Most famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 — 1974, there is far more to the story of Music City’s most recognizable icon. Take a Self-Guided or Guided Backstage tour and discover what makes the Ryman, the “Soul of Nashville.”  At the start of your tour, you will be immersed in the Ryman’s magical history during “Soul of Nashville,” a one-of-a-kind theater experience which puts the spotlight on more than a century of legendary performances and showcases a new collaboration with Darius Rucker, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill.  Five new exhibits are now open! “Workin’ on a Building,” “Showplace of the South,” Mother Church of Country Music,” “Ryman Stage to Screen,” and “Ryman Renaissance”. Peruse genuine artifacts and enjoy videos with hosts Charles Esten, Marty Stuart, Nicole Kidman, Ricky Skaggs, Robin Roberts and Trisha Yearwood as they take you through each chapter of the fascinating Ryman story.  Explore its rich entertainment history and how the Ryman became known as the "Carnegie Hall of South" during the years when Caruso and Sousa performed, Theodore Roosevelt spoke, and Houdini escaped in the 5th Avenue vestibule timeline. Then, take your place center stage, grab a guitar and step up to the microphone while you have your photo taken on the legendary planks. Visit the Ryman Gift Shop and take a piece of music history home with you! Find exclusive Ryman merchandise including tee-shirts, Hatch Show Prints, and novelty memorabilia along with specialty CDs and DVDs. And now, you can make your own custom shirt at the all new activity station.  Open daily from 9 am until 7 pm with extended hours during events.  Take a Guided Backstage Tour* through dressing rooms dedicated to the stars of the Ryman's rich musical past including Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Minnie Pearl, and stand in the wings where performers as varied as Elvis Presley, James Brown and Katharine Hepburn stood awaiting their time in the spotlights.   Make a Record at the Ryman! Do you sing? Visit the Ryman's recording studio and cut your own CD**!  Choose from a selection of classic songs or bring an original composition of your own and let our sound engineer record your rendition right in the Ryman Auditorium. Your Ryman Records CD — labeled with your name and song — will make a great souvenir or special gift.   The all new Cafe Lula features fresh, heathy fare with an emphasis on rotisserie cooking. Dine in or grab and go! Open daily 7 am – 7 pm with extended hours during events.  Open for Tours Daily from 9 am – 4:30 pm. Self-guided tour: adults $20.00, children 4-11 $15.  Backstage tour: adults $27.50, children 4-11 $22.50.