After a century of broadcasting that transformed American music, the Grand Ole Opry will be celebrated in an extensive exhibition titled “The Grandest Stage: The Opry at 100” at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Opening September 18, 2025, and running through March 2027, the exhibit promises to spark debate about which performers and moments truly define the legendary institution’s legacy.
The exhibition, included with museum admission, will chronicle the Opry’s evolution from its humble 1925 origins as an impromptu fiddle performance to becoming the world’s longest-running radio broadcast.
Cultural historians anticipate disagreements about the exhibit’s portrayal of how the Opry shaped Nashville’s identity as country music’s epicenter, particularly during the vital period from the 1940s through the 1960s when the city’s musical identity was solidifying.
Artifacts on display will include historically significant items like George D. Hay’s wooden steamboat whistle, Minnie Pearl’s iconic straw hat from her 1940 debut, and a rare 16-inch acetate disc containing the first NBC broadcast segment of the Opry in 1939.
The exhibit will showcase how membership in the Opry is considered a coveted honor in the country music industry, highlighting recent inductees like Don Schlitz and Henry Cho.
Some observers question whether these artifacts adequately represent the full diversity of artists who have graced the Opry stage.
The exhibit will address controversial periods, including the Opry’s resilience during the catastrophic 2010 flood and the COVID-19 pandemic when it became the most-watched live music program during lockdowns.
These sections may reignite discussions about tradition versus innovation in country music’s institutional pillars.
Educational programming will feature panel discussions with artists Vince Gill and Carly Pearce alongside Opry Executive Dan Rogers on opening day, potentially surfacing differing perspectives on the Opry’s role in the modern music landscape.
Visitors can also look forward to viewing Reba McEntire’s custom-made boots that were inspired by country legend Patsy Cline, illustrating the connections between generations of Opry performers.
Family activities at the Taylor Swift Education Center beginning October 2025 will further engage visitors with country music heritage.
The exhibit will include special sections on how Opry appearances have created sync licensing opportunities for artists, boosting their income through television and film placements.
The exhibition will also highlight how artists can leverage social media advertising to promote their Opry performances and expand their audience reach beyond traditional radio broadcasts.
As the exhibit examines how the Opry has shaped careers from Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton to contemporary stars like Carrie Underwood and Luke Combs, it will inevitably prompt debate about which artists deserve prominence in the institution’s storied history.
