Book Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tours Tickets Arrival Date:    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Days: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Adults: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 > 20 Children: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 > 20 On the next page, we will show you which days this activity is available during your stay and allow you to finish booking your tickets.

The very first thing I noticed as I stepped inside the Ryman Auditorium to take a tour of the premises was the overwhelming array of acts that were set to appear in the near future. I'd thought the Ryman was strictly about country music, but upon an actual inspection of the historic building I quickly found flyers announcing the near arrival of acts as diverse as the soulful Anthony Hamilton, Grateful Dead founding member and bassist Phil Lesh and even political comedian and analyst Bill Maher. Certainly the Ryman Auditorium is steeped in country lore and legend, but as I quickly found out, the Ryman Auditorium has since grown into a Mecca for music and entertainment from all walks of life. Of course, this isn't to imply that the fervor for country music has dwindled since the Grand Ole Opry's departure from the Ryman. In fact, as it appeared to me, this historic auditorium was holding on to its roots just as strong as ever.

As my tour partner and I made our way through the box office area/new addition of the Ryman life-size bronze statues of two individuals caught my eye. Although I had no idea whom the statues represented the detail placed upon the statues offered an amazing sight. Upon closer inspection I came to find out the statues were of Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff, and would soon learn of their importance to the Ryman Auditorium.

Inside the actual auditorium, towards the left-rear of the building, there was a projector and screen showing a short documentary on the history of the Ryman Auditorium. I found the short clip to be extremely informative, and for one such as myself who knew next to nothing about the Ryman, it did wonders in adding meaning to the sights I was about to see.

After watching the documentary and becoming accustomed to the general overview of the Ryman, I got up and and began my exploration. All along the back wall of the auditorium glass cases were lined, holding priceless artifacts and trinkets relating to the glory days of the Ryman. Everything from the clothes worn by the likes of Minnie Pearl to old flyers of famous concerts held at the Ryman were displayed throughout the area, and offered a great bridge between the present moment and the past history of the Ryman.

Each side of the upstairs balcony was also open for the self-guided tour, and offered more impressive sights of the building's prestigious past. Photographs and various trinkets were stored upon the West side of the balcony, with a collection of Hatch Show Prints being displayed on the East side.

In addition to exploring the many sights of the Ryman, I was also given the chance to become a part of the history myself. For, at the time anyhow, five dollars, myself and others were given the opportunity to pose on the actual Ryman stage with guitar in hand, and have a Polaroid taken. I've never considered myself to be able to strike any sort of demanding pose, but I must say, possibly due to the Ryman stage, I look like a genuine rock star in my picture. Don't doubt that.

In the end, I not only learned of the interesting history that the Ryman presents, but also the eclectic future it is helping pave in Nashville, TN. From reflecting on the glory of the Grand Ole Opry and past performers such as Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline to taking a live concert by some of today's hottest acts, there's something for everyone happening at the Ryman. Go on, have a look for yourself.