Is the Ryman Auditorium Tour Worth Taking?

You haven’t experienced Nashville until you’ve seen Ryman Auditorium. Boasting more than 125 years of history, the Ryman represents the heart and soul of Nashville’s music scene. The launching pad for country legends and a cultural center of the city, the Ryman is arguably the most famous music venue in the country. Touring Ryman Auditorium isn’t just one of the best things you can do in Nashville, it’s one of the best-valued experiences in all of Music City.

What Do You Get for the Price of Admission?

Ryman Auditorium tours offer unmatched access to one of Nashville’s most famous landmarks for an incredible value. Each tour offers not only a full run of the Ryman itself, but also gives visitors a chance to experience the Soul of Nashville theater, the Hatch Show Print gallery, and one-of-a-kind exhibits all on one ticket.

1. Access to the Ryman Itself

Every tour ticket gives you access to the Ryman, Nashville’s most historic building and an important landmark in music history. The Self-Guided Tour lets you explore Ryman Auditorium’s building, halls, and exhibits at your own pace, choosing what you see in any order you want. Better yet, the Guided Backstage Tour gives you a behind-the-scenes peek at the Ryman under the direction of a knowledgeable Ryman guide who explains the history and significance of the site. The Ryman tour also gives you an incredible opportunity to stand on the famed stage behind a microphone for a souvenir photo.

2. Soul of Nashville Introductory Video

Each tour begins at the Soul of Nashville theater with an immersive video featuring countless music greats, like Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, and The Fisk Jubilee Singers. There in the 100-seat room, you’ll witness music history come to life through music, special effects, and even holograms. Experience the 125+ year history of Ryman Auditorium, then explore the building firsthand.

3. Access to the Hatch Show Print Gallery

Visit the Hatch Show Print Gallery on the auditorium’s second floor to see autographed posters from the Ryman archives. Hatch Show Print and Ryman Auditorium have a long history together. Founded just a few years apart, Hatch has created uniquely designed posters for each Ryman event for decades. Each print is truly a work of art made with hand-carved blocks – the same technique the Hatch founders, brothers Charles and Herbert Hatch, first used when they founded the company in 1879. At the end of your visit, stop by the Ryman Gift Shop to purchase a favorite Hatch Show Print for yourself.

4. Museum-Quality Tour Exhibits

Ryman Auditorium history comes to life through its exhibits, available only to daytime tour guests. See memorabilia, artifacts, photos, and more as you explore this living landmark. Start at the very beginning, Tom Ryman’s inspired vision to construct the building as a Union Gospel Tabernacle, then journey through the Ryman’s decades as the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the years it sat abandoned and narrowly avoided demolition, and into the modern era as a landmark for music of all genres. See star-studded collections and one-of-a-kind items from the Ryman’s most famous performers, and get to know Nashville like never before.

How to Maximize Your Tour Value

Get the most from your Ryman Auditorium tour and maximize your value by booking at the right time and taking advantage of combo offers. Follow these insider tips for getting the most value from your visit.

1. Book Just Before a Show

Plan your tour for a day a favorite artist is performing at the Ryman. Spend the day exploring the Ryman’s history, seeing the exhibits, and learning about all the performers who have graced the stage before. Then, see it come to life before your eyes by attending a show. Check out the Ryman show calendar to pick your ideal date and time, then buy online to secure your spot.

2. Consider a Backstage Tour

When touring Ryman Auditorium, upgrade to a Guided Backstage Tour. The minimal incremental cost gets you a tour guide to give you the inside scoop on the ins and outs of the Ryman, plus backstage access so you can see the dressing rooms and wings of the famed Ryman stage. Get all the goodness of a self-guided tour with the expert knowledge of a Ryman guide for just a few dollars more per ticket.

• Guided Backstage Tours: Adults (12+) $34.95 / Child (4-11) $26.95

3. Book a Combination Package

There are tons of other fun packages to choose from to maximize your Ryman Auditorium experience. Try the Old Town Trolley Tours’ trolley and Ryman Auditorium package offering a fun tour in an open-air trolley around 14 significant Nashville sites, plus a self-guided tour at the Ryman. Or choose from more than 30 locations to explore with the Music City Total Access Pass, including Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry House.

• Trolley & Ryman Auditorium Tour: $68
• Music City Total Access Pass: $99.00

Book Your Tour Now

Whether you’re a music fan or a first-time Nashville visitor, there’s an unforgettable experience waiting for you at Ryman Auditorium. Plan a self-guided tour, a backstage tour, or a package deal, order your tickets online, and make your way to Music City.

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