NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A statue of the Ryman Auditorium's namesake has returned to the venue after renovations were made to the building.
The statue of Captain Thomas Ryman, who built the structure as a place for preachers to give sermons, was removed during a $14 million renovation project.
More bathrooms, bigger lobbies and a new café were included in the improvements. However, crews made sure not to alter the most important part of Country Music's Mother Church -- the performance area.
"It’s the perfect venue. It’s what Tom created almost 125 years ago and it remains untouched. What we have changed and improved is that experience outside of the auditorium,” said Sally Williams, General Manager of the Ryman Auditorium.
The project was expected to be completed later this week.
