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One of my favorite parts of having this little corner of the internet is those moments when I discover that another traveler has been somewhere I have visited. There is something special about realizing that a place has created memories for someone else too—a small connection across time and space.

The Ryman Auditorium is one of those places.

I had heard of the Ryman for years, but it was not until reading about it from my fellow travel blogger Leighton Travels that I truly understood what an iconic piece of Nashville history it was. Reading about this legendary building made me realize that the Ryman was more than just another music venue. It was a place where history, culture, and countless stories had all gathered under one roof.

After reading about it, I knew I wanted to experience the Ryman for myself.

So Leighton, this one is for you—a new favorite shared location.

Ryman Auditorium

1. Why Visit the Ryman Auditorium?
2. From Tabernacle to Nashville Icon
3. The Architecture of the Ryman Auditorium
4. Lula Naff: The Woman Who Helped Transform the Ryman
5. The Ryman Welcomes the World
6. The Grand Ole Opry and the Birth of Country Music
7. Saving the Mother Church
8. Touring the Ryman Auditorium
9. Standing on the Historic Stage
10. Planning Your Visit to the Ryman Auditorium
11. FAQ: Ryman Auditorium

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Why Visit the Ryman Auditorium?

The Ryman Auditorium is one of those places where the walls seem to hold onto the stories that happened inside them.

While many visitors come because of the connection to country music and the Grand Ole Opry, the history of the Ryman goes far beyond music. This building has hosted religious revivals, political speeches, sporting events, comedy shows, and some of the biggest names in entertainment.

The Ryman helped shape Nashville into the city known today as Music City.

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From Tabernacle to Nashville Icon

In the late 1800s, Nashville was a growing port city. Businesses, shops, and saloons filled the area near the river, bringing in people from all around the region.

One of the city’s successful businessmen was Thomas Ryman. He owned a fleet of riverboats and several local saloons, making him a prominent figure in Nashville’s business community.

But Nashville, like many growing cities, also had a strong religious community. Revival meetings were common, and one traveling preacher in particular caught the attention of the city.

Reverend Samuel Porter Jones was known for his powerful sermons calling people to change their lives. Thomas Ryman initially went to one of these gatherings with the intention of convincing the group to move somewhere else because their meetings were interfering with his business.

Instead, something unexpected happened. Ryman was so moved by the message that he became a believer himself.

Rather than seeing the revival meetings as a problem, he decided to help create a permanent space where large gatherings could take place. He envisioned a great tabernacle where Reverend Jones and other speakers could share their message with the people of Nashville.

Construction began, and on May 25, 1890, Reverend Jones held his first revival at the site while the building was still incomplete. Only six feet of the walls had been finished, but the foundation had already become a gathering place.

It would take seven years and approximately $100,000 to complete the building, an incredible investment for the time.

Reverend Jones wanted to name the building after Thomas Ryman, but Ryman repeatedly refused the honor. However, after Ryman died in 1904, Reverend Jones included a proposal during his memorial service to rename the building in his honor.

The audience overwhelmingly approved and the Union Gospel Tabernacle became the Ryman Auditorium.

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The Architecture of the Ryman Auditorium

One of the reasons the Ryman Auditorium became such an important gathering place is because of the way it was designed.

When Thomas Ryman first envisioned the Union Gospel Tabernacle, he wanted to create a space where thousands of people could come together. The building needed to serve a practical purpose, but it also needed to inspire the people who walked through its doors.

The result was a building that was simple, beautiful, and surprisingly ahead of its time.

The auditorium was designed with incredible acoustics that allowed voices and music to carry throughout the room long before modern sound systems existed. Those same acoustics that helped Reverend Jones’ sermons reach crowds of worshippers would later make the Ryman one of the most sought-after stages in the world for musicians.

The famous stained-glass windows are one of the most recognizable features of the building. Their colorful glow fills the auditorium with a warmth that feels almost sacred, a reminder of the building’s beginnings as a place of worship.

The wooden pews and curved balcony create an intimate feeling despite the size of the space. Instead of separating performers from the audience, the design brings everyone together in one shared room. It is part of what makes standing inside the Ryman feel so different from visiting a modern concert venue.

Even today, performers often talk about the unique feeling of performing at the Ryman. Many believe the combination of the historic architecture and incredible acoustics creates a sound unlike anywhere else.

The building itself became part of the performance.

The Ryman’s architecture is a reminder that a place can be more than walls and a roof. The design created a space where people could gather, share ideas, worship, celebrate, and experience moments that would become part of history.

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Lula Naff: The Woman Who Helped Transform the Ryman

After its early years as a religious gathering place, the Ryman began evolving into something much larger.

A major part of that transformation came from Lula Naff.

Naff began managing the auditorium and worked tirelessly to keep the building financially stable. While she continued honoring the Ryman’s original purpose, she also began bringing in other types of events to help support the venue.

Soon, the Ryman became a gathering place for nearly every type of entertainment.

Under Naff’s leadership, the stage welcomed speakers, performers, athletes, comedians, and musicians. She also became known for standing against censorship efforts that attempted to prevent certain performances from taking place.

Her ability to bring world-renowned talent to Nashville helped establish the Ryman as one of the most important cultural venues in the country.

She eventually became known as the “High Priestess of the Tabernacle.”

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The Ryman Welcomes the World

Over the decades, some of the most recognizable names in history walked through the doors of the Ryman Auditorium.

The stage hosted performers such as Will Rogers, Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hope, and Doris Day.

Presidents including Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Harry Truman spoke from the stage.

Harry Houdini amazed audiences with his incredible feats.

One of the first sold-out events at the Ryman was a lecture featuring Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan.

Because of the incredible variety of people who appeared there, the Ryman earned the nickname: “The Carnegie Hall of the South.”

If something important was happening in Nashville, chances were the Ryman was involved.

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The Grand Ole Opry and the Birth of Country Music

In 1925, a local radio program called the Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting from Nashville.

As the program grew in popularity, the Ryman became its home. The first official Grand Ole Opry broadcast from the Ryman took place in 1943.

For more than 30 years, the Ryman Auditorium was the place where country music legends performed for audiences around the world.

The connection between the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry helped solidify Nashville’s reputation as Music City.

When the Opry eventually moved to a larger venue, the Ryman entered a difficult period.

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Saving the Mother Church

Without the Grand Ole Opry bringing regular crowds, the Ryman began to struggle.

Over time, the building fell into disrepair. It sat mostly unused for nearly two decades, and there were serious discussions about demolishing it and replacing it with a modern theater.

Thankfully, history won. The Ryman was purchased by the Gaylord Company, who brought the building back into the spotlight with a Grand Ole Opry anniversary celebration. Some of country music’s biggest stars returned to the stage, reminding Nashville what had almost been lost.

The music community rallied behind restoring the Ryman, and the building was carefully preserved. Today, the Ryman once again stands as one of Nashville’s most treasured landmarks.

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Touring the Ryman Auditorium

After watching an introductory video about the history of the Ryman, we stepped into the historic auditorium. The first thing that stood out was the incredible beauty of the space.

The stained-glass windows cast colorful light across rows of wooden benches that all face the stage where generations of performers, speakers, and musicians have stood. Visitors are encouraged to sit in the historic seats and take in the atmosphere of the building. It is easy to imagine the thousands of people who have gathered here over the decades.

Throughout the auditorium are exhibits featuring costumes, instruments, photographs, and memorabilia from performers who have appeared at the Ryman. A detailed timeline highlights the incredible range of people who have walked across the stage.

One interesting piece of history is the original balcony section.

When the building was first designed, it included plans for a balcony. However, it took several years to raise the necessary funds to complete it. The balcony was finished in time for the 1897 gathering of the United Confederate Veterans, who contributed significantly toward the construction costs.

Because of that connection, the balcony carried the historical name “Confederate Gallery” for many years. Today, the Ryman acknowledges that complicated history while preserving the original architecture of the building.

An original piece of the balcony was used as a guide when the structure was restored.

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Standing on the Historic Stage

One of the most fun parts of visiting the Ryman is getting the chance to stand on the stage where so many legends have performed.

Visitors can take a photograph on the stage as part of their admission experience. For an additional cost, guests can even record their own song in the studio. It is a fun way to take home a small piece of the Ryman experience.

As we walked out of the auditorium, we also spotted a barrel of whiskey donated by Jack Daniel’s. After President Roosevelt spoke at the Ryman, Jack Daniel became a supporter of the venue and donated money and whiskey for events held there.

Even the smallest details throughout the building tell another piece of its story.

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Planning Your Visit to the Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is located in the heart of downtown Nashville, making it an easy addition to a Nashville itinerary.

Visitors can explore the building through self-guided tours, guided backstage tours, and concert experiences.

A tour is worthwhile even if you are not a country music fan. The history of the Ryman is the history of Nashville itself, with stories of faith, entertainment, politics, and cultural change all connected within these walls.

If you have the opportunity, seeing a live performance at the Ryman would be an unforgettable experience. After touring this historic building, attending a concert here was definitely added to my Nashville bucket list.

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FAQ: Ryman Auditorium

• Is the Ryman Auditorium worth visiting?

Yes! The Ryman Auditorium is one of the most historic buildings in Nashville. Even visitors who are not country music fans will appreciate the architecture, history, and stories connected to this legendary venue.

• How long does it take to tour the Ryman Auditorium?

Most visitors should plan about one to two hours to explore the auditorium, exhibits, and history of the building.

• Can you stand on the Ryman Auditorium stage?

Yes. Visitors can take a photo standing on the historic stage during their tour.

• Is the Ryman Auditorium the original home of the Grand Ole Opry?

Yes. The Grand Ole Opry performed at the Ryman Auditorium from 1943 until 1974, helping establish the venue as a centerpiece of Nashville music history.

• Is the Ryman Auditorium family friendly?

Yes. The Ryman is a great experience for families interested in history, architecture, and music.

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Some buildings are beautiful because of their design. Others are special because of what happened inside them.

The Ryman Auditorium is special because it carries the stories of generations of people who gathered there. It began as a place of worship, became a cultural gathering place, helped launch some of music’s greatest careers, and nearly disappeared before being lovingly restored.

Standing inside the Ryman, it is easy to understand why people call it the Mother Church. This is more than a music venue- it is a piece of Nashville’s story.

And after experiencing the history and beauty of this incredible building, I still have one thing left on my Ryman bucket list: returning for a live performance and hearing the sound of music fill those historic walls.

Thanks for joining me on this visit to the Ryman Auditorium. May the music of the city fill your soul.

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Follow along for more adventures near and far!

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