NASHVILLE’S HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM AND ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF NEW EXHIBITION:
ROCK HALL AT THE RYMAN
The Exhibit Opened Today and Highlights
Significant Rock & Roll History at the Ryman
Photo Credit: Jason Kempin
Yesterday, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrated the opening of their new collaborative exhibition: Rock Hall at the Ryman.
Rock Hall at the Ryman, which is now open to the public today, is part of a multi-year partnership with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and showcases the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history. While the Ryman is known as the Mother Church of Country Music, Rock Hall at the Ryman honors the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have performed on the Ryman’s hallowed stage throughout its 130-year history.
The exhibit surveys a selection of Inductees including James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton in addition to country music icons like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, who were early practitioners of what would become rock & roll music. Housed in the Ryman’s newly transformed 5th Avenue vestibule, the exhibit features instruments, stage costumes and personal artifacts.
Some of the exhibit’s unique items include:
Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” model Fender Stratocaster guitar played on the Journeyman tour in the early 1990s and then again in 1995.
Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins' outfit worn during performance to induct Rush at the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Joan Jett’s red latex halter bra top worn onstage at Vans Warped Tour ’06.
Elvis Presley’s full-length belted suede coat worn c. 1970.
Earlier this year, the Ryman was designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark and joined 11 other rock & roll institutions throughout the country including Austin City Limits and Whisky a Go Go, among others. Continuing the celebration of rock & roll, the Ryman will host a variety of shows featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Members U2’s Bono (Nov. 9), Lynyrd Skynyrd (Nov. 13), Smokey Robinson (Dec. 16), and a three-night residency with John Mellencamp (May 8-10, 2023), with more to be announced.
Entry to Rock Hall at the Ryman is included in all daytime tour tickets at the Ryman, which also includes a souvenir photo on stage, Soul of Nashville immersive theater experience and other star-studded exhibits. More information about Rock Hall at the Ryman, daytime tours and upcoming shows can be found at www.ryman.com.
About Ryman Auditorium
A National Historic Landmark, Ryman Auditorium was built by Captain Thomas G. Ryman in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle. A 13-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 per year, 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, Nashville and more. 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.
About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Rock Connects Us. Our mission is clear: To engage, teach and inspire through the power of rock & roll. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, and engaging programs. At the Rock Hall, we are dedicated to making a difference. We intentionally foster a diverse and equitable Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion is more than just a policy. It supports our mission and defines our future. Join the millions who love it as much as you do. Experience us live or online – Visit rockhall.com or follow the Rock Hall on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Twitter (@rockhall), Instagram (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall). Long Live Rock!