New Exhibit Spotlighting Ryman Auditorium’s Rich Rock History Open Now

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The Ryman Auditorium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new Exhibition Hall at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium and Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have collaborated on a new exhibit, Rock Hall at the Ryman, showcasing the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history.

Now open to the public, Rock Hall at the Ryman honors the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have performed on the Ryman stage throughout its 130-year history. The exhibit features a selection of inductees, including James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton, in addition to icons such as Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, who were early practitioners of what would become rock & roll.

Memorabilia is seen at the Ryman Auditorium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new Exhibition Hall at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

Housed in the Ryman’s newly-transformed 5th Avenue vestibule, the exhibit features instruments, stage costumes and personal artifacts, including Clapton’s “Blackie” model Fender Stratocaster guitar, Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins‘ outfit worn during a performance to induct Rush at the 2013 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Jett’s red latex halter bra top worn onstage at Vans Warped Tour ’06, and Presley’s full-length belted suede coat worn c. 1970.

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 exhibits.

In celebration of the new exhibit, 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), with more to be announced.

Earlier this year, the Ryman was designated as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark and joined 11 other rock institutions throughout the country, including Austin City Limits and Whisky a Go Go, among others.

Memorabilia is seen at the Ryman Auditorium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s new Exhibition Hall at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Ryman Auditorium

Lorie Hollabaugh
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