Nashville: Ryman Auditorium Tour & Onstage Photo Experience

Summary

Walk the halls where legends played and take your own photo on the ryman stage

You’ll step straight into Nashville music history at the Ryman Auditorium, catch an immersive intro film, wander through new exhibits packed with stories and artifacts, and actually stand on the legendary stage for your own souvenir photo. Expect goosebumps and maybe a laugh or two — it’s not just a tour, it feels like joining in.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, I never thought I’d stand where Johnny Cash once did.” That’s what I blurted out to my friend as we shuffled into the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. The place has this hush about it, even with tourists drifting around — kind of like a church but with old wood that creaks under your feet and posters everywhere. Our tickets were waiting at the box office (easy enough), and then we got swept right into this “Soul of Nashville” intro film. The sound just wraps around you — Darius Rucker’s voice, flashes of old performances, and for a second it felt like I was part of something bigger than myself. Goosebumps, honestly.

I wandered through these new exhibits — “Mother Church of Country Music” stuck with me most, maybe because Nicole Kidman was narrating (which was unexpected). There’s this glass case with Emmylou Harris’s boots and a Hatch Show Print wall that smells faintly of ink and dust. A little girl next to me tried to pronounce ‘Renaissance’ and her dad just laughed quietly. It’s weird how you feel connected to strangers in places like this. The staff didn’t hover but pointed me toward a video about B.B. King when I looked lost (I get distracted by shiny things).

Then came the moment: stepping onto the actual Ryman stage for that souvenir photo. It’s just a few seconds but man, there’s something about standing under those lights — they’re warmer than you’d expect, almost soft on your skin. My hands were awkward in the picture but who cares? Li snapped one of me grinning like an idiot anyway. You can almost hear echoes if you stand still long enough — or maybe that’s just my imagination running wild again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ryman Auditorium history and exhibits

• Arrive at Ryman Auditorium
• Redeem voucher for tour ticket
• Experience Soul of Nashville theater
• Visit Workin’ on a Building exhibit
• Explore Showplace of the South exhibit
• See Mother Church of Country Music exhibit
• View Ryman Stage to Screen exhibit
• Discover Ryman Renaissance exhibit

Top questions

Is the Ryman Auditorium self-guided tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the self-guided tour is fully wheelchair accessible throughout the venue.

Can I bring my stroller or pram inside during the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during your visit.

How do I get my tickets for the self-guided tour?

Your tickets will be held at the theater box office; show your voucher and photo ID to collect them on arrival.

Is public transportation available near Ryman Auditorium?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access to the venue.

Are service animals allowed inside Ryman Auditorium?

Yes, service animals are permitted during your self-guided tour.

What if I want an onstage photo—are there restrictions?

The onstage photo is included but availability may vary depending on auditorium commitments that day.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry to historic Ryman Auditorium with all multimedia exhibits and artifacts, access to the “Soul of Nashville” intro experience, time to browse Hatch Show Print displays, plus a chance to step onto the stage for your own souvenir photo before heading back out into downtown Nashville.