Nashville’s Best Music Museum

Nashville is full of historic things to do and see and is home to several museums. But one museum stands out above the rest: Ryman Auditorium. It’s a living museum bursting with history and still actively operates as one of the most famous music venues in the U.S. For anyone wanting to better understand music history and how Nashville became known as Music City, a visit to the Ryman is a can’t miss.

Ryman's Central Role in Music City's Development

Nashville is the number one destination for music lovers from around the world, but it wasn’t always known as Music City; Ryman Auditorium contributed to that. What was built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892 quickly became a cultural center for the city, hosting renowned speakers and musicians from around the world. Now, more than 125 years later, the Ryman, also called the Mother Church, stands as a living museum and a significant site for music history and the city of Nashville. Take a tour, see a concert, and get to know the roots of Music City at this unique museum.

Tour the Ryman & Its Historic, Museum-Quality Exhibits

Ryman Auditorium offers several different museum tour options. Whether you’re wanting to learn from a tour guide or prefer to explore at your own pace, the Ryman’s got an option that works for you. Each tour offers unique features and benefits so you can get exactly what you want from your visit to this famous Music City landmark.

Self-Guided Tours

Explore Ryman Auditorium at your own pace with a self-guided tour. You’ll be immersed in more than 125 years of Ryman history when you watch a brief, star-studded video in the venue’s 100-seat Soul of Nashville theater. Then, explore Ryman Auditorium’s exhibits including outfits worn by past performers, never-before-seen photos, and music throughout the decades. Soak in the beauty of this iconic musical site.

• Self-Guided Tours: Adults (12+) $25.95 / Child (4-11) $16.95

Guided Backstage Tours

Learn about Nashville’s music history firsthand by taking a guided backstage tour. A knowledgeable Ryman Auditorium tour guide will share the inside scoop on the museum’s history and stories of its famous guests to give you a full understanding of Music City’s roots. See backstage dressing rooms and one-of-a-kind memorabilia and even get your picture taken on the Ryman stage! This is the perfect tour for history buffs and music fans.

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

Post-Show Opry at the Ryman Tours

Ryman Auditorium was home to the famous Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest-running radio show, for more than 30 years before the Opry moved to its permanent home in 1974. But the Opry still returns to the Ryman on special occasions – and you can be a part of it. The Post-Show Opry at the Ryman tour gives music lovers the ultimate experience with the fun of a guided backstage tour plus the fun of seeing the Grand Ole Opry live on the Ryman stage. With this ticket, you can really watch this museum come to life.

• Post-Show Opry at the Ryman Tours: Adults (12+) $29.95 / Child (4-11) $21.95

Catch a Show

Ryman Auditorium is one of the most revered music venues in the U.S. – both for attendees and performers. Amazing acts of all genres are on the Ryman schedule, including country artists, rock bands, comedians, authors, and more. Treat yourself to the ultimate acoustic experience and watch this music museum in action by seeing a concert at the Ryman during your visit.

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