Ryman Auditorium
116 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN, 37219
Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," the Ryman Auditorium is one of Nashville's most iconic venues, helping the city transform into a legendary music destination. Since opening in 1892, it has hosted legends such as Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Van Morrison. Today, visitors can tour the historic theater, visit the museum, or experience the venue's world-class acoustics during a live performance.
The basics
Travelers can visit independently or on a Nashville tour—ride a hop-on hop-off trolley and stop at the Ryman Auditorium for a self-guided tour or take a guided backstage tour to see dressing rooms, exhibits, multimedia presentations, historic memorabilia, and artifacts.
Music history buffs may prefer to visit the auditorium on a walking tour of downtown Nashville, to hear stories of the city’s must-see sites, while foodies can stop by the Ryman on a culinary tour. Alternatively, combine a visit with an evening tour of Nashville featuring live music and a traditional barbecue dinner.
Things to know before you go
Purchase tickets online or in person at the Ryman Auditorium ticket office or the Opry House.
Café Lula, the Ryman’s on-site dining venue, serves up local food and drinks from 9am to 8pm every day, with extended hours for concerts and events.
Cameras are permitted during daytime tours but are not allowed backstage.
There are no coat check facilities.
The Ryman provides wheelchair escorts during nighttime events for guests with limited mobility; accessible ticket options are available.
How to get there
The Ryman is centrally located in the heart of downtown Nashville, at the junction of Broadway and Fourth Avenue. The entrance is located on the Fourth Avenue side of the building. The site does not have a dedicated public parking lot.
When to get there
The Ryman Auditorium and museum are open year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Tours are offered daily between 9am and 4pm. The most popular time to visit is from April through October, when warm weather brings Music City to life. Winter is the city’s off-season, when visitors may find lower prices.
Not just for country music
Although it’s the original home of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry country music concerts, the Ryman stage has seen superstars of every genre. Artists such as Paul Simon, the Pixies, MGMT, and even Houdini have performed here, in addition to comedians Joe Rogan and Bill Burr.
Ways to explore
Many travelers visit the Ryman Auditorium as part of wider Nashville sightseeing tours, from hop-on hop-off trolleys to golf cart and e-bike tours. It also features on some of the city’s more unusual themed tours, including ghost walks, pub crawls, and even tractor rides.
Independent visitors can explore at their own pace on a self-guided tour, learning about the venue’s role in country music history without having to follow a group around. Of course, one of the best ways to experience the Ryman Auditorium is by attending a show; events include stand-up comedy, concerts, drag shows, and ballet performances.
Accessibility
The venue is wheelchair accessible with complimentary wheelchairs available, too.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Camera, small bag, valid photo ID
What to wear
Layered clothing, comfortable footwear
Not allowed
Smoking, filming performances, flash photography
Amenities
Restrooms, restaurant, ATM
Address
The Ryman is situated in downtown Nashville, just off Broadway in the heart of the entertainment district. Visitors can arrive by car, rideshare, or public transportation and walk a short block from most central stops.
Driving
If traveling by car, you can take the I-40 exit at Broadway, then travel east toward downtown until you get to the venue, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Paid parking is available across the street at Fifth and Broadway.
Public transportation
You can take the WeGo Public Transit 64 bus to Fifth Avenue North and Commerce Street, which is only a short walk from the venue. The Old Town Trolley also includes a stop at the Ryman Auditorium.
Best times to visit
If coming for a tour, mornings are a good time, so you can explore the exhibits before the showtime crowds arrive.
Best days to visit
Weekdays are typically quieter than weekend nights, when there are usually major concerts. However, for star performances, try to come on a weekend.
Best months to visit
April–May and September–October are ideal—they avoid peak summer travel and major holiday crowds in December.
Special events
The annual Americana Music Honors & Awards usually takes place here in September. It's very popular, so it’s best to book tickets as soon as they’re released.
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