Ryman AuditoriumThis National Historic Landmark in downtown Nashville, nicknamed
the Mother Church of Country Music, is regarded as the founding
home of country music, having been the performance venue for the
Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. The theatre was originally built
in 1892 by Thomas G. Ryman as a gospel tabernacle after his sudden
conversion to Christianity. The building served as an evangelical
meeting hall immediately after being erected, with regular
performances by gospel singers and choirs becoming more and more
common with the passing years. Eventually musical performances
became the building's main focus, and a stage was built for the
Grand Ole Opry's broadcasts. Such great names as Sarah Bernhardt,
Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley trod the boards here in their time.
Today the Grand Ole Opry has moved on to a new theatre, but the
Ryman Auditorium has been restored and is still a popular
performance venue where concerts are held regularly. By day the
theatre acts as a museum, which v Address: 116 Fifth Avenue North Website: www.ryman.com Email: rymanticketinfo@ryman.com Telephone: Box office: (61 Opening Time: Daily 9am to 4pm for museum visiting, and in the
evening for shows Admission: Self-Guided Tours: $13 (adults) and $6.50 (children);
Backstage Tours: $17 (adults) and $10.50 (children) |