Ryman Auditorium a 2,632 capacity performance venue which is also known as the Grand Ole Opry House, was constructed in 1892 by Thomas Ryman who conceived it as a place of worship and it was used for this purpose until the early 20th century. After his death modifications were made to the stage and the auditorium played host to opera performances, dramas with famous actresses of the time, magic shows featuring Houdini, shows with classical opera star Caruso and even lectures by famous people such as President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907 and the First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1938.
The Grand Ole Opry Show moved to the Ryman Auditorium in 1943 after which it was host to one of the longest running broadcasts in history. The auditorium also hosted performances by famous singers and performers such as Bob Hope and Doris Day in 1949, the Carter Sisters in 1950, Elvis Presley in 1954, Johnny Cash in 1956 and Louis Armstrong in 1957 among many other famous artists. The popular Johnny Cash Show televised at the Ryman Auditorium was shown on national television from 1969 to 1971. Grand Ole Opry was broadcast for the last time from the auditorium in 1974 when it was moved to a larger venue outside Nashville.
The auditorium was unused till 1992 when country singer Amy Lou Harris together with her band performed some concerts here. A restoration of the building took place and it was opened both as a performance venue and a museum in 1994. However the wooden pews and the mullioned windows take one back to the auditorium’s origins when it was used for a house of worship. Each dressing room behind the stage is dedicated to a legendary performer. The Grand Ole Opry returns to the auditorium each year from November through February. According to fans of the Ryman, it has the second best acoustics system in the world.
Considered an American icon, the Ryman Auditorium attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world and in 2001, it was designated as a historic landmark. As the home of Opry, the Ryman helped to make country music famous and put Nashville on the map.
As one of downtown Nashville hotels, Millennium Maxwell House Nashville is within easy reach of many of the city’s iconic local attractions, shopping venues, major thoroughfares and a convention centre which are made even more accessible by a courtesy shuttle service. Further guest friendly facilities include a choice of comfortable accommodation with contemporary décor in a soothing color palette, up to date business friendly amenities, well equipped leisure facilities and dining options ranging from light pub fare to southern and new American cuisine and many other services that makes this one of the more prominent Nashville TN hotels.
