Built in 1892, the beautiful brick Ryman Auditorium was first designed as a place of worship. Its wooden benches seated a maximum audience of 2 500 people. In 1943, it became well-known thanks to the famous Grand Ole Opry programme, which was held here until 1974, when it moved to Opryland. Since then, the room has been empty, albeit adorned with a few souvenirs (Hank Williams' stage costume, scores and the instruments of local musicians).