Ryman Auditorium Tour

Highlights / General details

Most famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 — 1974, its history as Nashville's premier theater and central gathering place started even before construction was complete in 1892.

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, Houdini escaped and so much more in the 5th Avenue vestibule timeline exhibit.

Three new exhibits are open: "Grand Ole Opry 1940s-1970s," "Ryman Stage to Screen" and "Proud to Be Here! The Legacy of Minnie Pearl." See genuine artifacts from those early Opry years like the dress Dolly Parton wore the night she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. See a costume Sissy Spacek wore when she played Loretta Lynn in "Coal Miner's Daughter" filmed at the Ryman. Watch exclusive Minnie Pearl footage and see the National Medal of the Arts she received from president George H.W. Bush. Listen to the "Voices of the Ryman" audio tour and hear Garrison Keillor and Marty Stuart share their Ryman experiences with you. On the tour, you'll also have the opportunity to have your picture taken on the stage graced by legends from Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox to Zac Brown Band and ZZ Top.

Take the Self-Guided Tour where you'll discover the divine inspiration behind the building's construction as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in the 1880's in our welcome video.

Take a guided Backstage Tour through dressing rooms dedicated to the stars of the Ryman's rich musical past including Minnie Pearl and Hank Williams. These same dressing rooms are used by all the biggest stars performing today from Brad Paisley to Bruce Springsteen. Look out on the famous "Ryman Alley" where the stars cross over to the honky tonks and the Everly Brothers were discovered by Mr. Guitar, Chet Atkins. Finally, stand in the wings where performers as varied as Katharine Hepburn, Elvis Presley and James Brown stood awaiting their time in the spotlights.

Inclusion

Admission to the Ryman Auditorium and Tour.

Exclusion

Transportation to and from the Ryman Auditorium; Gratuities.

Hours of operation

Available daily departing every 15 minutes from 9:00am to 3:45pm. No tour departures on: January 1, February 12-18 & 26, November 22, December 25.

Duration

Approximately 1.5 hours.

Location

The historic Ryman Auditorium is located at 116 5th Avenue North, Nashville 37219.

Policies

Confirmation will not be received until 2 weeks prior to reservation due to attraction restrictions.

Cancellation: 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.

Guests are required to call within 2 weeks of their reservation to confirm their tour time.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**