Ryman Debuts Daytime Attractions

While the venue’s original 1892 auditorium remained untouched during the renovation, a new 100-seat theater was constructed to house the “Soul of Nashville,” which includes footage from more than a century of performances and a new collaboration with Darius Rucker, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, Sheryl Crow and Vince Gill. The theater’s technology will feature moving images on multiple projector planes and a high-tech sound system to make the audience feel they’re at the center of the show, the venue announced.

“To say there is no other place like the Ryman is an understatement,” GM Sally Williams said. “The story of this building is so powerful and emotional— we needed an extraordinary way to take visitors on our nearly 125-year journey.

The ‘Soul of Nashville’ and our new exhibits do that job beautifully.” Other new video exhibits include “Workin’ on a Building,” hosted by Trisha Yearwood, “Showplace of the South,” hosted by actress Nicole Kidman, “Mother Church of Country Music,” hosted by Marty Stuart and Ricky Skaggs, “Ryman Stage to Screen,” featuring host Charles Esten and “Ryman Renaissance,” hosted by Robin Roberts.

The expansion also includes a new restaurant called Cafe Lula in honor of the building’s longtime promoter and manager, Lula C. Naff, and an expanded gift shop. The Ryman is open for tours seven days a week.