Grand Ole Opry House Added to National Register

The Grand Ole Opry House is one of the most distinguished landmarks in country music history, and now that fact is being recognized nationally.

The iconic Nashville venue is being added to the National Register of Historic Places, which is the United States' official list of locations worthy of preservation. The honor marks the cultural significance of the building, which according to a press release is the sixth home of the Grand Ole Opry since it began. It is also the only location built specifically to house the Opry, and the location that has served as the institution's home base for the longest.

The Opry House opened on March 16, 1974, with a sold-out performance that was attended by then-President Richard Nixon and his wife. Over the years it has presented countless performances of the Grand Ole Opry, as well as concerts from many touring artists from a variety of genres. It has also welcomed U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries, awards shows, television tapings and numerous special events over its 41-year history. It is a reigning Academy of Country Music Venue of the Year.

The iconic venue is one of six sites in Tennessee recently added to the National Register. Dr. Carroll Van West, Director of the Center for Historic Preservation at MTSU and the Tennessee State Historian, prepared the nomination, which the Tennessee State Historical Commission supported.

The recognition comes as the Opry prepares for a nine-month celebration of its 90th anniversary, which will kick off with a special show Tuesday, March 24. Throughout that evening’s performance the Opry will announce various elements of the celebration, including special shows scheduled through December. One highlight will be the Opry’s 90th Birthday Bash Weekend, which is scheduled for Oct. 2-3.

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