BEHIND THE SCENES: Updating the Ryman Backstage
By Emily Wykoff
This April, the Ryman’s backstage received a major refresh. The update included new archival photos and artifacts that depict famous performances, events, and stars who have appeared on this iconic stage. Each dressing room is centered around a portion of the Ryman’s history: including rooms that depict The Grand Ole Opry, The Johnny Cash Show, the legacy of Lula Naff, and much more.
Many know Ryman Auditorium as the former home of the Grand Ole Opry, but that’s just a small portion of the building’s history. The “biggest misconception about the Ryman is that we’re the original home of the Opry,” said Joshua Bronnenberg, Ryman Curator and Tours Manager. The previous version of the backstage tour focused on the Opry’s residency at the Ryman. While the Opry is vital to understanding the building’s history, it was only housed here for 31 of the Ryman’s 133-year history, from 1943 to 1974. The newly redesigned backstage keeps the vibrant legacy of the Opry’s residency at the Ryman, while exploring stories from the Ryman’s other 102 years.
In updating the tour, the venue aimed to better capture the full scope of the Ryman’s history — highlighting the many artists and unforgettable moments that have shaped the venue over the years. From legends to rising stars, and from country to rock, soul, and beyond, the new photos and artifacts reflect the wide range of talent that’s graced the stage and left their mark backstage.
“It was important to show that the Ryman is not just country music,” said Maggie Duzyk, Museum & Tours Assistant Manager. She described how, “For instance, in the Icons dressing room, you have everyone from Harry Houdini to Martin Luther King Jr., to Ed Sheeran to Wu-Tang Clan. Where else are you going to get those stories in one location and in a venue that still has those big names coming in?” From musicians and magicians to puppeteers and poets, performers of all genres have appeared on the Ryman stage. Visitors can see photos of performances by fan favorites such as Aretha Franklin, Linda Ronstadt, Ray Charles, Carol Burnett, Jim Hensen, and many more.
Another star of the tour is the building itself. Ryman Auditorium has been a part of Nashville’s architecture for over a century, and it has appeared in the background of some fascinating historical events. When you first go backstage, Duzyk says, “we have the renovation photos and then the historic circus photo of them coming down Broadway where you can see the Ryman in the background—that's one of my favorites.” Historic photos along the backstage hallways depict the building’s facade, renovations, and its enduring presence as the Soul of Nashville.
Fans can experience the newly designed backstage for themselves on a Backstage guided tour -- available on select days only. Get tickets today!