Ryman Auditorium begins work on $14 million expansion

A different kind of noise was being made just off Lower Broadway on Wednesday morning — the sound of construction equipment — as Nashville's Ryman Auditorium began work on its $14 million expansion.

The day began with the temporary removal of a statue of Tom Ryman, who founded the revered music venue as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892.

The expansion project is expected to conclude in June and will add a cafe, multimedia history tour and new event space to the building, as well as a renovated box office, restrooms, concessions and merchandising area.