My review is for the self-guided day tour. 3.5 stars. Although I found our visit to the Opry to be more meaningful and generally more interesting, the Ryman is cheaper in comparison and more conveniently located to downtown. I personally wouldn't suggest making any extra effort or special trips just for this but I'd also imagine anyone could probably find a place for it in their Nashville itinerary due to it's location. You start upstairs with a short video showing some history on the Ryman and then you wander downstairs through a few exhibits, mainly of costume pieces and instruments. It's self guided and there isn't really a whole lot here but that also makes it easy to squeeze into any schedule. I wouldn't recommend this for kids but we met up with friends who had initially planned on being kid-free and ended up having to bring their toddler-aged children last minute. Admission for the kids was free and they actually got a kick out of the video and various light effects so that worked out. All of the staff here were kind and it's super walkable. The gift shop also had some of the best souvenirs that we saw on our trip. This was our first stop in town so we didn't want to buy out the whole store thinking we'd find other items elsewhere, but we kept regretting not purchasing all the neat stuff we saw here! I wouldn't call this a Nashville must see - if you're short on funds, time, or just not a diehard country music fan, I think you can pass on this guilt-free, and if you can only do one, I would definitely recommend the Opry over the Ryman. On the other hand, the Ryman is so convenient and the cost of admission is less; if you have the time and means, check it out! read more

This was a fun exhibit full of history. The employees were all so very kind! I loved seeing the beautiful venue and the memorabilia on display! Don't forget that you get a free photo with your admission. read more

My husband surprised me with tickets to Ray LaMontagne! The concert was awesome! We enjoyed to opening show as well--Kacy and Clayton. I knew The Ryman Auditiorium was the original Grand Ole Oprey but I didn't know it was an old church. It was very cool to see the old wooden pews that were curved toward the stage. The back of the auditorium was stain glass windows. What a special place to visit. They offer tours as well as concerts, have a snack bar (you can bring food/drinks into the concert), and hold holiday services. Ambiance: Excellent, you should go! read more

Ryman Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Where do I begin with the Ryman? From Bright Eyes to Broods to John Legend to Hurray for the Riff Raff to Broken Social Scene and to the most recent show, Local Natives... I've seen countless bands at the Ryman over the years. This has to be one of the top music venues this side of the Mississippi. I might go as far as labeling it in the top 10 in the country. I love the Ryman! My only complaint is that it's not in Louisville! When you look at the ticket giants selling you tickets for certain venues in cities like Livenation... if those companies ever wanted to franchise a venue, they should model it off of the Ryman. There are a few things I'd modify but overall I can't complain too much as every show I've been to has been an amazing experience. The history is cool. Being almost 192 years old is nuts! It was originally built to be a church but that didn't last long. It quickly became a community and event space. Once it became the Grand Ole Opry, I think the rest is history. The Opry eventually moved in the 1970s, but the amount of talent that has been on that stage... breathtaking. As far as I'm concerned... let's convert all churches to music venues. The upstairs and downstairs lobbies are awesome. They have multiple bars and it's spaced out in such a way that it's never a hassle when seeing a show. Plenty of toilets to make a quick restroom run in between acts and the place has been clean every time I've attended. One peeve that usually comes up anytime I go to a show are the drink prices. While the beer on tap here isn't in the early teen prices.. it is still in the $8-10 range. With that being said, you're in downtown Nashville so make sure to drink cheaply somewhere else before arriving. The seats are pews which can be uncomfortable, but like most venues... people normally stand up once the music starts. The floor is also wood. Every time the crowd goes nuts, it's dreamlike to hear everyone stomping their feet and clapping their hands on the pews at the same time. It never fails to place me in a trance every time. The only thing I'd suggest is if you're further back on the floor and your seat is to the right or left of the stage, you might want to reconsider your ticket purchase. There are beams that can get in your way in certain spots. You can still see, but it can be annoying. Most people say there isn't a bad seat in the house. Well... that applies here(except for those few seats that are right behind the beams). You can also tour this place and if I'm ever in Nashville during the day, I'll certainly give this place a tour. If your favorite musician tours here, make the trip. You'll be glad you did. read more

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Love the Ryman (aka the "Mother Church of Music"), and not just for Country music. I had the pleasure of seeing two shows before the COVID shutdown (Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello) both of which were outstanding. As you would expect with the Ryman's history, the acoustics are outstanding (so there is no need for the music to be mind-numbingly loud like in arenas) and there isn't a bad seat in the house. I can't wait to get back for another show soon! read more

The experience of the Ryman theater cannot be simply put into words. There is an energy that fills the place. Not sure if it's the history of the legends that have graced this stage or the emotions that the place brings in each person that walks through these doors. We've came here about 3 years ago before the updates. The transformation is pretty amazing! We have sat on the floor seats and balcony and both views are fantastic. They do offer drinks, and they are very expensive. But hey you are not there for the drinks. The best part of this place is when you can take a tour. Just DO IT! It's such a fun experience. The tour includes visiting back stage and on stage access. This is a memory everyone needs to experience! read more

Ryman Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Love the atmosphere of the mother church. Poles could possibly block a view so pay attention to notes on tickets before you buy. Great smaller crowd venue! read more

Ryman Auditorium - OPRY Classics, 6/10/2023 - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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I highly recommend seeing a show at the Ryman. It's a special experience. If you have time, the tour is great as well. It's immersive and informative, a nice mix, for all ages. read more

Well, had to walk out of a show at the Ryman. Purchased tickets for a show today that said 1pm. The show time was really noon. When I talked to the box and management was told I could not get a refund without leaving immediately. I am extremely disappointed in the customer service at "Mother Church". Being a musician I have always held this room with great reverence. Unfortunately this experience has sullied my view of this historical venue #heartbroken read more

If you are a music lover of any kind, you must attend a concert at the Ryman at least once in your lifetime. One of the reasons I'm not sure I could ever leave Nashville is because of this glorious place. I've seen bands perform at the Ryman and then at a different venue; it's like night and day. The music pulses through the walls. It's unlike any experience you've ever had. I cannot recommend this music venue highly enough. And no matter what kind of music you are into, there will be a show that fits into that category at the Ryman. Country, rock, pop, indie. Even comedy shows. If you are from out of town, plan a trip to Nashville around a concert at the Ryman. Also, buy a hatch print at the merchandise table. Nashville has a historic printing press downtown where bands create a hatch print (like a small poster) for each INDIVIDUAL show that comes here. Freaking. Amazing. They are one of a kind and very difficult (and highly expensive) to find after the show. The prices are very reasonable as well. Depending on the show it will vary a bit, but I typically pay $50 per ticket. Great deal in my opinion for the experience you get! The historic value alone is worth a visit to the Ryman, and I've never been to a show where the artist hasn't been humbled to be on that stage. I constantly hear "what an honor to be here." Come see a show here and feel the history and love of music in the air! read more

Ryman Auditorium - From the balcony - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This is Nashville. Mother church of country music. I wish I saw a performance here but I was only able to do the tour and that alone was amazing. You can feel the history. The old wooden pews, the amazing acoustics its chilling. I really enjoyed the video at the beginning of the tour, I had no idea there was so much behind this place! I history on how it came about was amazing, really tells you the true significance of the Ryman. So many picture opportunities but I really had to take my photo "in the circle". It's tradition right? To think the Ryman was almost demolished! Thankfully it's history inspired the community and a number of investors to keep it going & have it restored. read more

Ryman Auditorium - Church of music - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

The Ryman is such an exquisite and beautiful place to go enjoy a show. The acoustics travel through the auditorium with such grace and the rows/pews are well arranged. I do not necessarily agree that there isn't one bad seat in the house, as I would not want to be all the way in the back of the main floor due to the balcony blocking half the stage. Again, that may not "block" the performance, but it's not as visually appealing or welcoming. I have never sat in the balcony or sides to comment on those seats. Merchandise set up for shows is a bit chaotic and does not easily allow patrons to preview what is for sale before waiting in line...but I do not see anywhere else to set this up better. And the entrance is a bit hectic, but they do a good job for such a small venue. Price of food and drink are to be expected for a venue. Love the intimate setting and will be back for more shows in the future. read more

Ryman Auditorium - View from MF4 row P - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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The Ryman was one of my favorite things we did in Nashville. We did the self-guided tour which starts with a short video that details the rich history of the Ryman and how it has evolved through the years. You can can walk through the auditorium and see the beautiful architecture, stained glass windows, posters from shows in the past, and artifacts from artists who have performed there. It is such a cool feel for a concert venue - such rich history and i love the pews for seating. Oftentimes they are setting up for a show on the stage which will happen that night which is cool to see. We ended up being able to see a show and it was amazing! Great acoustics! read more

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Very interesting to be in the spot where the core of Music City originated. Beautiful place where so many legends performed. read more

Ryman Auditorium - Inside the Ryman - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Decent venue. The tickets for the event didn't specify what time the doors opened and what time the show started, so we ended up missing the opener for the concert because we thought 7:30 were the doors opening time. But oh well. The bar at the venue was strange, they poured all drinks into a separate cup even if it was in a can already. Seemed unnecessary. If you are sitting on the sides of the venue it won't be the easiest to see the performer read more

Ryman Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

DISCLAIMER: My review is based on my OWN personal experience and opinions ~~it has NO bias intent towards the company/business, the owners/managers or their employees. Please let YOUR OWN experience and views be your guide for enjoyment !!!! Just got back from the Chris Daughtry Concert on Nov 16th, with my daughter Noel celebrating her 19th birthday. We had such a great time. The opening act was Bobby Church Band and then Daughtry put on a 2 hr show with encores..it was amazing..Rushing out tomorrow to buy his new CD/Album "Baptized"...if you don't have it yet....GO BUY IT !!! Amazing entertainer...the best concert I have been to in years.. read more

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if you go to the ryman aud for any reason ,you can expect to be in pain for a few days afterwords, the seats will be the cause of back pain , you think that gaylord entertainment would make a good experience better by putting cushions on those pews!!! read more

Even if you're not a huge music fan, this is a must if you're a tourist in Nashville. I would imagine seeing a performance here is the best way to experience this unique space, but i give five stars for the self tour! The space is so uniquely intimate (in the age of stadium tours, its tiny!), it's amazing to walk around it and imagine how cool it must be to see your favorite band here. The building is a microcosm of the history of Nashville, American culture, race relations, all focused on what happens when you bring people together. The historical exhibits make you stop and think a bit about all of those things. And that it's still today an active concert spot is amazing! And from a wow perspective, don't skip the movie intro to the tour. It will delight you! read more

If you do nothing else in your vacation you must do this. It was such an awesome experience to learn about the history of the ryman.

This place is pretty magical - especially when you see the history and see how close it was to closing on a few occasions. We took the self guided tour through the Ryman which was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry. The space looks like an old church with bench seating and stained glass windows. Big names have played the Ryman for decades. It is not only blue grass or country music - it is The Pretenders, Jack White, The Foo Fighters. I think that can be a common misconception. The Ryman and Nashville in general seems to embrace all types of music. It's interesting to walk around the building and think about how many stars have performed there. If you are a history buff this is the place for you. I'm not sure that it's great for kids - not a lot for them to do. But if you are a music lover - you'll love it. read more

This was a stop on our Nashville City Tour. I was not familiar with it until we showed up on the bus and went in to see it. It is best known for being the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. And if you are a fan of County Music and Bluegrass, and who isn't, you are sort of making a pilgrimage when you visit. As we walked around we saw a lot of pictures representing a lot of history of the Nashville sound. We were told it is still used occasionally today to host the Grand Ole Opry at certain times of the year. When it originally was completed, it opened as the Union Gospel Tabernacle, and Christian revival meetings were held there. Although it was originally intended as a house of worship, through a sequence of unforeseen circumstances it eventually came to be used for speaking engagements, concerts, boxing matches, etc. in order to be able to pay for the upkeep on the building. After moving in and having a long and successful run at the Ryman, the Opry moved to its new and modern location at Opryland and the Ryman was almost demolished. But because it was such a key part of the history of Nashville, the community and a number of investors raised the funds to have it restored and it is still in active use today. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to go inside and learn about the history and importance of this building to Nashville. Check it out if you are in the area. read more

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Just got an email from yelp. Guess the ryman peps were offended. Told me that this comment was not the customer experience. That was the exact experience. read more

Ryman Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Visited today and really enjoyed the tour. The quick 11 minute video is a little awkward but it does the job in history lesson. The. You get to self tour in the auditorium itself and can take a picture on stage. read more

Ryman Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This "mother church of country music" is a sensational place to see a show. I attended an Opry at the Ryman concert, which was great fun and very much enhanced by the venue. It does feel somewhat like a church, with the stained glass in the back of the auditorium and the exquisitely uncomfortable pews for the seating. It positively oozes with history and the acoustics are incredible. Also, for a building seating over 2300, it feels quite intimate. There's a modern lobby with new and clean restrooms and a bar. A gift shop is attached. (Tip: If you enter the gift shop at intermission, you will need your ticket to get back into the show.) Price depends on where you sit, but the view is fine even towards the sides where the tickets are less expensive. (It appears they don't sell the most extreme sides for most events, where the view would be obstructed.) Seeing a performance here is a must-do Nashville activity. read more

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What a beautiful space! We took the backstage tour of the Ryman and found it interesting. I think the backstage mostly just brings you in each dressing room (and they show videos in some), but other wise you see the same as a self guided tour. Don't forget to exit through the gift shop ;) read more

Touring the Ryman was one of the coolest experiences; standing where some of the greats stood, sitting in those old worn out pews. I might have got teary eyed a time or two. Such an incredible experience!!! Also, make sure to get your picture taken... they don't tell you this when you start the tour; but you get two free pictures on stage. My husband & I almost passed them up; because we didn't know. Get them! They are some of our favorite pictures & memories! And maybe your husband will ask the photographer if you can just kiss instead of fake sing, like my husband did. #TheMotherChurch #Nashville #TheRymanAuditorium read more

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The seating is in church pews; not a bad seat up on the balcony-... even on the sides...there are a few support poles on the main floor so I suppose a seat could have an obstructed view from there. Fun setting for a concert; popcorn and full bar available. I did have concerns about the potential for a cowboy hat in front of me blocking my view, but all hat wearers sat to my sides thankfully. read more

Loved this auditorium. Just being there, I could understand the whole country music history. Hope I can watch a show there. Introductory movie they are showing at the Ryman was impressive. Well done movie. read more

Ryman Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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I am not a country music fan so the history of the Ryman doesn't thrill me as much as it would someone who loves the music. I did enjoy the movie that started the tour as it gave great background information. I wish the backstage tour was available today, but it wasn't. Worth a stop, whether you are a country music fan or not. Oh, and one of the best part was that they have a Tennessee appreciation deal going - by one, get one - for their regular tours. read more

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I'm hoping it was a one time experience, but we went for a show. Security was clueless as to how to get people to stand in a line, and because other people feel entitled, it was chaos. They were chanting "push them" to the people in line and security did nothing to resolve the situation. I'm not sure I'll travel for another show there for this reason. Besides that the sound at the Ryman is like nothing I've heard before. People just need to respect "The church" (and each other) read more

The Mother Church of country music! Need I say more? To see a concert in the Ryman is to be part of history. This is a must do in Nashville. We loved every minute of our Country Classics show. read more

Beautiful building rich in history and nostalgia! Many pictures and items displayed throughout the building! This is a must see and do while in Nashville! read more

Ryman Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Bang for your buck: 7/10 Quality: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Ambiance/Location: 10/10 Overall: 9/10 A Nashville staple! This is a must see when visiting the home of country music. Our only critique is the price. It's a bit on the pricier side for a self-guided tour, but it's worth forking over the cash to get this slice of history! read more

Ryman Auditorium - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This is a must visit in Nashville besides music and drinking I'm not very knowledgeable on country music and it's history but a visit to Ryman did me wonders if you have never visited this beautiful place you're going to love it read more

Really nice venue. I came with some family to see the Opry show. Entry is a breeze - there is security but they're well-organized, shouted instructions at regular intervals, and got everyone ready to go through smoothly. Though it was very busy when we arrived, the lines at concessions weren't too bad. Prices were pretty typical for a big venue. They have a good selection of wines and you can get a 6oz or 12oz pour. Beers come in 16oz cans. There's also a selection of snacks, though few people seemed to be availing themselves of them. There was a line at the bathroom pretty much the whole time, but it did move quite quickly and everything was clean. Inside the auditorium is pew style seating - though the spaces are numbered and I think you get more than an average seat's worth of space. We sat in the second section of the stalls, off to the side. The acoustics and visibility are good, though they're probably better from a more central position. Everything about the Opry show was great. The talent on display is first rate - even down to the pre-show emcee. It's a treat to see professionals hitting their marks and everything running to time, even when it's just the audio engineers unfurling cables and getting microphones into position. The 2-hour show had 4 thirty-minute programs, each with a different host who opened and closed the segment. I really enjoyed the variety show element to it and getting to hear music and see performances I'd never usually seek out. My only slight complaint and the reason for giving this a 4 rather than a 5-star review is that a woman in front of us got really drunk and got aggressive with our group. At the beginning of one of the intervals, she threw up. The staff came to check on everything and said they would be back to clean up, but they didn't reappear. The other pair in front of us ended up sitting on either side of the mess. Fortunately it didn't smell bad but the absence of a return visit to clean was noted. A friend gathered from the staff that they were aware the person had had too much to drink but they'd still served her anyway. Seems they should have a tighter policy on that. Other than that, it was a great experience and it's definitely worth a visit. read more

Planned a trip here to see a show. There was a steel beam in my view the whole night. They don't post the location of these when you purchase tickets read more

Ryman Auditorium - My view from row M - Music Venues Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I absolutely loved the tour of the Ryman. So much history that I was unaware of. All the greats that have played there. So amazing. Would recommend this to anyone read more

While living in Texas, I always thought how cool the Ryman was. Now, I live 5 hours away from Nashville and have seen two shows there. This place is amazing. You can tell a lot of time, care, thought and money has gone into the space. There's not a bad seat in the house and the sound is amazing. I've been feet from the stage and I've been at the top of the 'balcony' near the sound board. Both were stellar. The staff are all very friendly and helpful but be warned, the security/ushers will not hesitate to tell you to 'sit' and stay in your seat. I was literally afraid folks were going to be ejected during Belle & Sebastian, of all bands. read more

I don't think i fully understood or appreciated the fact that I was going to a performance at Ryman Auditorium. Arriving early and getting an opportunity to walk around the outside and start to take in some of the historical markers.....Birth of Bluegrass for starters. Going on to explain that in 1945 Bill Monroe and his mandolin brought to the Ryman Auditorium stage a band that created a new American musical form. As you start absorbing everything that has happened here the realization sets in that this is going to truly be a unique experience at one of the most historical venues. As you walk in there is an amazing gift store with all kinds of commemorative items to satisfy almost any collectors souvenir needs. The staff was phenomenal and eager to help any way they could. From the aisle attendants to the bartenders to the souvenir stands they all were happy and smiling throughout the night. As Paramore took the stage to close out their tour in their hometown and Haley Williams leaned down to kiss the stage before performing, it became very evident that this place is also very special to the performers that come through. I had a seat in the upper balcony, and couldn't have been more pleased. I think it's safe to say there isn't a bad seat in the place! Sound quality is amazing and the stage is plenty large enough to accommodate elaborate band set ups. So glad that I was able to finally come to Ryman and attend such an amazing performance. Wouldn't hesitate to come back and attend another event in the future. If you haven't been you really need to add this to a list of musts....it's something that should be experienced by everyone! read more

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2362 Seats and some of the best live shows in the country by artists as diverse as EWF, Jackson Browne, Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Vince Gill & Amy Grant, The Jonas Brothers, Kid Rock, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Bands make it better when they play here because of the room's history. I have worked over 235 shows in three years and look forward to every performance becuase I know that it will be special regardless of the genre. read more