Hidden away in the vibrant city, the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, Texas is truly a unique and awe-inspiring attraction. Tucked within a private suburban backyard in South Austin is a whimsical and quirky masterpiece. It continues to give life to the saying “Keep Austin Weird.”

The creativity and the boundless imagination of its creator, Vince Hannemann, has made this strange and beautiful structure. It is by far one of the best things you have to do in Austin, Texas.

History of Cathedral of Junk

Beginning as a modest backyard project in 1989 has since evolved into a labyrinth of recycled treasures, attracting visitors everywhere.

Vince Hannemann began constructing the cathedral as a hobby, using discarded materials he found in his neighborhood. What started as a simple tower of hubcaps and bicycle parts grew into a towering testament to Hannemann’s ingenuity and passion for repurposing unwanted items.

The history of the Cathedral is as eclectic as its construction materials. Fascinated with repurposing discarded objects, Hannemann began collecting items. Visiting yard sales, flea markets, and even dumpsters, he began to incorporate these items into his ever-expanding creation.

The Cathedral gained popularity among locals and tourists, attracting curious visitors eager to explore its labyrinthine corridors and towering sculptures.

Before your self-tour, learn the history and materials it took to create this imaginative and elaborate sculpture. Speak with the artist about how he transformed recycled materials into art.

Where Is the Cathedral of Junk in Austin

If you’ve been looking to see why Austinites say “Keep Austin Weird,” the Cathedral of Junk is a testament to the uniqueness of the city. It’s part of one of the weird things in Austin tourists and locals must see.

What To Do Before Your Visit

Parking is available on a side street near the Cathedral of Junk. Hannemann will give specific instructions where to park. Please try to respect neighboring houses by not crowding the street and parking in front of other houses.

Before arriving to your scheduled time to see this impressive display, bring some cash and leave a donation. While it is considered one of the free family things to do in Austin, TX, please leave a donation. Cash donations are encouraged to support ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the site. Consider bringing some cash to contribute to this worthy cause.

The Entrance of the Cathedral of Junk

After stepping through the entrance gate to the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, get to know the artist and what it took exactly to create this whimsical sculpture. Vincent Hannemann is happy to answer questions to those curious about his vision and the materials used to complete it. Although some describe it as one of the weird things in Austin to see, Hannemann has turned these unwanted items into true art.

There is an indoor display that explains the work and journey it took to create one of Austin’s most eccentric and outstanding hidden jewels. See the many stages of the construction process of the cathedral, and the hundreds of signatures marked by visitors through the years who’ve come to marvel at it.

Exploring the Cathedral of Junk

Walking through the arch opening into a space that is dome-like and 3-stories tall gives a sense of magnificence. Visitors are in awe and recognize the quality of something great, and not that they are surrounded by what one could consider trash or scraped material.

See the Ground and Upper Floors

Look for the several rooms that are almost categorized by their color. Blue or yellow rooms with towering sculptures made from bicycle wheels, typewriters, toys and old appliances overhead. As visitors go deeper into the tunnels, they’ll soon see stairs inviting them to climb.

Take your time to see more materials and admire all the work it took to make this one large completed and stable sculpture. Remember that the cathedral is a labor of love for its creator. Be mindful and careful of your surroundings and avoid damaging any of the sculptures.

Each corner reveals new surprises, including a towering throne made entirely of televisions. Twisted rebar, a cascade of colorful glass bottles and more creates shimmers in the sunlight.

My Personal Review

As I explored the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, I couldn’t help but admire Hannemann’s attention to detail and craftsmanship. Every sculpture seemed to have a story of its own. Each area presents its own characteristic, and this massive project is a testament to the creative spirit that fueled the Cathedral’s construction over the years.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking things to do in Austin Texas during the day. It’s in a great location being in between downtown and the airport. I really appreciate that there were materials from several generations. I was able to see toys from the 90’s and my parents’ recognized appliances and toys from their childhood.