New Tour Exhibit: Meet the Ryman's Unexpected Company
By Lane Vaughn
More than music happens here.
Since its earliest days, the Ryman has always attracted the world’s most noteworthy figures—athletes, activists, movie stars, magicians, and even Muppets. The pages of the Ryman’s storied guestbook are filled with an array of unlikely visitors who have left their mark on the Mother Church.
Our new tour exhibit, now open, pulls back the curtain on the unexpected company that has stepped into the spotlight.
HARRY HOUDINI
The famed magician and illusionist visited the Ryman on March 11, 1924. Before performing some of his well-known tricks and escapes, he warned the audience against the trickery of mediums and spiritualists–exposing their smoke-and-mirrors tactics through a bizarre demonstration of his own.
In the Exhibit: Handcuffs, leg irons, and wrist straps used in Houdini’s illusions.
JACKIE ROBINSON
Barrier-breaking athlete and activist Jackie Robinson appeared at the Ryman on April 15, 1962. Robinson discussed voting rights and urged President John F. Kennedy to make good on his campaign promises to end housing segregation. In addition to his baseball career, Robinson contributed significantly to the civil rights movement, often appearing at rallies, fundraising events, and demonstrations.
In the Exhibit: A replica Louisville Slugger, Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia, Robinson’s business cards, and a newspaper column penned by Robinson.
CLINT EASTWOOD
Award-winning Hollywood star Clint Eastwood graced the Ryman stage in 1982 during the filming of Honkytonk Man—a movie loosely based on the life of legendary country artist Jimmie Rodgers.
In the Exhibit: Hat worn by Eastwood during filming, amended script of Honkytonk Man with Eastwood’s alterations.
JIM HENSON
The beloved puppeteer operated Rowlf the Dog on the Ryman stage multiple times. On a visit in 1965, Rowlf joked about the history of country music, saying that George Washington had originally chopped down the cherry tree to make a guitar.
In the Exhibit: A Rowlf puppet used in the 1984 film, The Muppets Take Manhattan
From impassioned speeches to show-stopping spectacles to surprising cameos, the Ryman’s history is a collection of once-in-a-lifetime stories. Discover these and more Ryman guests you’d never guess on your daytime tour. Get your tickets today!