Ryman Auditorium
Nashville, TN
A former tabernacle that became the "Mother Church of Country Music". Take the daytime tour or see a show.
Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, opened in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. Businessman Thomas Ryman wanted a large space for revival meetings; after his death in 1904 the building took its present name. From 1943 to 1974 it was the home of the Grand Ole Opry and has been nicknamed the “Mother Church of Country Music” ever since. It has been a National Historic Landmark since June 25, 2001.
After the Opry moved out, the building deteriorated for a long time and was used only for tours and occasional events. Stabilization work in 1988 to 1990 was followed in 1993/94 by the conversion into a concert hall with air conditioning, refurbished church pews and new backstage areas. Today the hall has 2,362 seats. During the day, when no event is on, there are guided tours with backstage access as well as self-guided tours with exhibits. The building is in downtown Nashville on 5th Avenue North.
- Nearest town
- Nashville, TN
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.1612, -86.7785
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Nashville RV Resort and CabinsMotorhome stopover6 mi from Ryman AuditoriumMotorhomes
- KOA NashvilleCampsite6 mi from Ryman Auditorium
- Safe Harbor RV ResortMotorhome stopover9 mi from Ryman AuditoriumMotorhomesWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Anderson Road CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Ryman AuditoriumTentsCaravans
- Four Corners RV ResortMotorhome stopover14 mi from Ryman Auditorium · 113 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Nashville North RV ResortCampsite15 mi from Ryman AuditoriumCaravansShowersWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Tennessee · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ryman Auditorium?
Ryman Auditorium is in Nashville, TN, at GPS 36.1612, -86.7785. It is about 17 mi from Double Arch Bridge.
Can you camp near Ryman Auditorium?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Nashville RV Resort and Cabins, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ryman Auditorium?
Ryman Auditorium is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Music highway: Nashville to New Orleans.
What is there to see near Ryman Auditorium?
Places worth a stop nearby: Natchez Trace double arch bridge (26 mi), Burgess Falls State Park (67 mi), Cummins Falls State Park (68 mi) and Rock Island State Park (68 mi).
When is the best time to visit Ryman Auditorium?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)