Nashville Municipal Auditorium

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Lore & Background

The Nashville Municipal Auditorium opened its doors in 1962 as a modern convention and entertainment center, offering a stark contrast to the historic Ryman Auditorium. While the Ryman was built as a tabernacle and later became the iconic home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Municipal Auditorium was designed for versatility, hosting everything from ice shows to political rallies. Johnny Cash performed here during his career, bringing his signature blend of country and rockabilly to a venue that could accommodate thousands. The building's construction reflected Nashville's post-war growth and its emergence as a hub for both music and commerce.

In Their Own Story

On June 5, 1943, the Grand Ole Opry began its historic run at the Ryman, selling out every show for nearly 31 years. Johnny Cash performed here in 1956, joining a roster that included Hank Williams in 1949 and Patsy Cline in 1960. The venue's limitations shaped the experience; with only one dressing room for men and an inadequate restroom for women, stars often mingled with patrons at nearby bars. The Opry remained here until March 15, 1974, when Sarah Cannon (Minnie Pearl) broke character to cry on stage during the final show. To preserve history, a large circle was cut from the Ryman's floor and inlaid into the center of the new Grand Ole Opry House at Opryland USA.

Reader's Guide

Visitors can tour the venue located at 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North, which now operates as both a performance hall and museum under Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Originally designed without a balcony, the structure's capacity grew to 6,000 when funds from the United Confederate Veterans allowed its construction for their 1897 gathering; it later dropped to just over 3,000 after a stage was added in 1901. In 2017, the "Confederate Gallery" plaque was replaced with one reading "1892 Ryman Auditorium." The venue hosted its first sold-out event in 1913 featuring Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy.

Did You Know?

• The Nashville Municipal Auditorium opened in 1962, decades after the Ryman Auditorium began hosting the Grand Ole Opry.
• Unlike the Ryman, which was built as a tabernacle, the Municipal Auditorium was designed from the start as a modern multi-purpose venue.
• The Ryman Auditorium was designated a National Historic Landmark on June 23, 1965, not June 25, 2001.
• The Ryman Auditorium is located at 116 Rep. John Lewis Way North, while the Nashville Municipal Auditorium is at 417 4th Avenue North.
• Johnny Cash performed at both venues, but the Ryman is famous for its intimate wooden pews and the Municipal Auditorium for its large-scale arena setting.