NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 9, 2024) – Ryman Auditorium will host its annual Ryman Community Day on May 26. Sponsored by Mid-South Ford Dealers, Farm Bureau Health Plans, Vanderbilt Health, Hiller Plumbing Heating, Cooling and Electrical, and Kroger, this special day invites Tennessee residents to enjoy the Ryman’s daytime tour experience free of charge from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a valid Tennessee state ID. Tickets may also be reserved in advance at ryman.com.
Guests will have the opportunity to experience the Ryman’s newest exhibition, “From Memphis to the Ryman,” which highlights the story of Elvis Presley’s one and only Grand Ole Opry performance through a series of recollections, photographs, and artifact displays. The exhibit's centerpiece is the dynamic storytelling surrounding Presley's infamous appearance, narrated by Matthew Ramsey, songwriter and lead singer of ACM and CMA award-winning band Old Dominion.
"This year's Community Day is exciting because it will be the first time Tennesseans can see our new ‘From Memphis to the Ryman’ exhibit for free," said Ryman Auditorium General Manager Gary Levy. “The Ryman is full of unique stories, and Elvis Presley’s Opry debut is one of the most talked-about moments in Ryman history. We are pleased to showcase this new experience to locals.”
As part of Ryman Community Day festivities, PNC Plaza at Ryman Auditorium will come alive with family-friendly offerings, including on-site printmaking from the iconic Hatch Show Print, free live music, food trucks, games, and activities for children like face painting, balloon animals, and caricatures. Once visitors enter the Ryman, they will have access to the full Ryman daytime tour experience, including other star-studded exhibits like Rock Hall at the Ryman, the Soul of Nashville immersive theater, and a souvenir photo on the Ryman’s historic stage. Guests will also have access to a new video experience, "Show Day at the Ryman," which provides a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting on a show at the iconic venue.
Other items unique to the Ryman’s daytime tour include:
- Striped jumpsuit owned and worn by Diana Ross.
- Outfit worn by Luke Combs during his 2018 Ryman debut performance.
- Designer dress and shoes worn by Taylor Swift during the 2022 NSAI Awards at the Ryman.
About Ryman Auditorium:
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. A 15-time winner of the prestigious Pollstar Theatre of the Year award, the historic venue is well-known as the Mother Church of Country Music and is the most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). The Ryman’s thriving concert schedule hosts more than 200 shows annually, and the venue is open for daytime tours year-round. The Ryman has also been featured in numerous film and television projects, including Coal Miner’s Daughter, The Johnny Cash Show, American Idol, and Nashville. Ryman Auditorium is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP), a Nashville-based REIT that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry, WSM Radio, and Ole Red. For more information, visit ryman.com. Follow the Ryman: Facebook | Instagram | X
###