Ryman Auditorium

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.

Can you take a tour of the Ryman Auditorium?

Yes, you can take a tour of the Ryman Auditorium. Visitors have options: they can peek behind the scenes on a backstage tour, explore at their own pace on a self-guided tour, or enjoy a Post-Show Opry Tour after seeing the Grand Ole Opry, a weekly American country music stage concert.

What time are tours of the Ryman Auditorium?

The Ryman Auditorium offers tours lasting from around 45 to 60 minutes. If you take the self-guided tour, you can explore at your own pace and spend as much or little time as you wish in the venue during visiting hours.

Do Ryman Auditorium tours sell out?

Yes, tours of the Ryman Auditorium are popular and can sell out, especially on weekends and from June to August, Nashville’s peak summer season. The tours are also more likely to sell out on Grand Ole Opry dates or when a top act is in town to play a show.

Can you take pictures in the Ryman Auditorium?

Yes, you can take pictures during self-guided tours of the Ryman Auditorium. However, regulations don’t permit cameras at any time during backstage tours. Performers set photography policies on the night of their shows—check beforehand if you want to bring a camera to a performance.

Can you visit the Ryman Auditorium without a tour?

Yes, you can enter the Ryman Auditorium without booking a tour if you have a ticket for a performance. However, if you want to see musicians’ memorabilia and the exhibits, you’ll need to book a self-guided tour. If you want to go backstage, you’ll need to book a guided tour.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Ryman Auditorium?

No, booking a tour of the Ryman Auditorium in advance isn’t required. However, while you can purchase tickets at the door on arrival, it’s best to buy them online ahead of time to ensure your preferred date and time slot are available.

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.