Ryman Auditorium Debuts New Exhibit ‘Unexpected Company’

The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville has a dual mission of being a world-class concert venue and a living museum of music history by offering visitors an experience that honors the past during the day while remaining focused and relevant on stage at night.  

Building on that tradition, the Ryman just unveiled a new exhibition, “Unexpected Company,” featuring some of the venues’ most surprising guests from magicians and movie stars to civil rights leaders. The exhibit illustrates how the Ryman was common ground for a diverse collection of iconic performers and celebrities.

“For more than 130 years, the Ryman has been dedicated not just to hosting world-class performances, but to preserving the moments that have made it such a historic venue, says Gary Levy, General Manager of Ryman Auditorium. “Every artifact and photograph in this exhibit tells a piece of that story and reminds us that the Ryman is more than a concert hall. It’s a living record of the artists and icons who have stood on this stage and walked these halls.”

It includes Harry Houdini’s handcuffs used during his 1924 Nashville performance, where he debunked spiritualists and wowed audiences with his legendary milk-can escape; Jackie Robinson’s personal memorabilia and writings tied to his 1962 appearance at the Ryman, where he spoke to more than 1,200 attendees about the power of the vote and civil rights; a gown worn by Aretha Franklin, commemorating her two Ryman performances in 2010 and 2011; Clint Eastwood’s hat and amended film script from the 1982 movie Honkytonk Man, which was shot on location at the Ryman; A Rowlf the Dog puppet, celebrating his Ryman appearances on “The Jimmy Dean Show”; and a costume worn by Jessica Lange while portraying Patsy Cline in the 1985 biopic Sweet Dreams, which was also filmed at the Ryman.

With the new and existing exhibits, the Ryman furthers its reputation as a place where past and present coexist.

Built in 1892, the Ryman Auditorium is open for daytime tours year-round. Exhibits include multimedia displays and interactive kiosks about the buildings origins as the Union Gospel Tabernacle; artifacts from the Grand Ole Opry era from 1943-1974 including microphones and costumes worn by Opry legends; and historic photos of videos from format icons Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton.  

The stage remains a working performance space hosting more than 200 shows a year – ensuring that visitors experience the venue as a vibrant part of Nashville’s thriving music scene rather than a static monument.

The Ryman – which has been named Pollstar Theatre of the Year 15 times – is part of Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties.