Historic Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour in Nashville

Take a little journey through entertainment history with a daytime tour of the Historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville - the "Mother Church of Country Music" and home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974.

Sit awhile in the original pews and take in a short film that features the people and events that shaped the Ryman's past and present.

Step onto our historic stage and have your photo taken.

Then stroll through the halls filled with fascinating memorabilia from the Ryman's storied past.

Built as a church in 1892, the Ryman Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark, and housed the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974.

The Ryman Auditorium first opened its doors as a vision of Captain Thomas G. Ryman. With the coming of the Grand Ole Opry show in 1943, the Ryman found its identity as the Mother Church of Country Music. In 1974, the Opry moved to its current home by the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center and left the Ryman vacant. It was not until twenty years later in 1994 that the Ryman was restored to be the national showplace that it is today. Musicians ranging from Roy Acuff to James Brown and Patsy Cline to Sheryl Crow have performed on the Ryman stage, making it a historical as well as a current-day icon for people everywhere.

PLEASE NOTE: Guided Backstage Tours are also available - please order Historic Ryman Auditorium Backstage Guided Tour in Nashville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Ryman feature only country music?
- Not at all! The Ryman also hosts rock, alternative, gospel, classical, jazz, bluegrass as well as musical theatre.

Is the Ryman the original home of the Grand Ole Opry?
- No. Since its beginnings in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has called the following venues home:
- 1. National Life and Accident Insurance Company in downtown Nashville - 1925
- 2. Hillsboro Theatre
- 3. Dixie Tabernacle in east Nashville - moved out in 1939
- 4. War Memorial Auditorium - 1939-1943
- 5. Ryman Auditorium - June 5, 1943-March 15, 1974
- 6. Grand Ole Opry House - 1974-Present

What is the Ryman Auditorium?
- The Ryman is a National Historic Landmark with roots in country music where one can see all types of musical performances as well as take daily self-guided and guided tours.

When is the Ryman Auditorium open?
- The Ryman is open daily for tours from 9:00 am, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Concerts and musical theatre are in the evening.

The Ryman has been nominated for America's Theatre of the Year for the fourth straight year! She brought home the National Theatre of the Year Award in both 2003 and 2004 and was in the running again this year at the 18th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. The Ryman has attracted world class entertainment to its stage for 115 years, and has been named the Best Place to See Live Music in the Nashville Scene, Best Concert Venue in All the Rage, and CitySearch.com voted the Ryman one of the ten "Best Places to Hear Live Music" in America for the fifth year in a row!

This tour does not offer hotel pick-up. There is no child price discount, but children 3 and under are free. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-881-3279.