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.
Touring its beauty and unexpectedness made it one of the best things to do in Austin during the day. In 2010, Hannemann began facing issues with the city. They claimed that the structure was in violation of code and required proof of safety and more.
After working with engineers, architects, lawyers and volunteers, the Cathedral of Junk in Austin was signed off as stable and safe. Despite facing the setbacks, Hannemann persevered for future generations to enjoy his imaginative and innovative work. With its own building permit, the artist welcomes those who wish to see one the most brilliant and weird things in Austin.
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.
While looking for things to do in Austin, Texas the Cathedral of Junk is not far. South of the downtown, the cathedral is located at 4422 Lareina Drive. It’s only a 10 min drive from the airport and downtown. Touring this artistic structure is a great way to begin or end a trip to Austin.
Located in the artist, Vincent Hannemann’s residential backyard, to access the Cathedral of Junk you must make reservations. Reservations can be made by calling (512) 299-7413.
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
Standing in front of the Cathedral of Junk in Austin is incredibly overwhelming and mesmerizing all at once. The details on the outside are extraordinary. There’s everything from a collection of crutches, windchimes, bowling pins, license plates, kitchenware and so many more.
The collected items almost play a trick on your mind because it’s hard to take in everything at once. The details and time it took to gather the materials and combine them into a sculpture visitors can walk and climb through is unlike other things to do in Austin, Texas.
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.
There’s no telling what you’ll find, between blank cd’s hang from strings, wine bottles, boxed tv’s or old vacuum cleaners from the 70’s or 80’s. Nostalgia and memorabilia strikes anyone that takes the time to slowly look around.
Several passages create a curiousness and invites each person inside. The details forces visitors to take their time viewing the details of the walls, floor and ceiling that surrounds them. It quickly becomes a whimsical world of wonder.
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.
There are 2 levels above the ground floor. While climbing the brick, stone or concrete stairs, look for details and materials imbedded into their surface. Forks, pins, quotes, tools and create a beautiful path to follow to the top. Once reaching the top, take the time to view the outside details of the dome. Notice some vines beginning to grow through the materials.
It’s easy to feel lost while navigating through the maze of artifacts. Take the time to discover a variety of materials that were brought together to create a new sculpture of its own.
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.
From towering sculptures made of discarded materials to whimsical hidden treasures, this offbeat attraction is a must-see for anyone exploring the eclectic city of Austin. It is one of the weird things in Austin and it is one the most special things as well. I deeply appreciate Vincent for allowing strangers on the property of his home to share his gift to the world.
Whether you’re a traveler or a curious local, you’ll surely be captivated by the whimsical wonders that await within its labyrinthine corridors.
For more outdoor activities in and near Austin, click here to see the closest Texas State Parks.
12 Comments
lana · March 12, 2024 at 1:51 am
Love the details in your post! Thank you for being you 🙂
Nancy · March 14, 2024 at 1:30 am
Good info, I didn’t know the place exists
Where is Laura Traveling · March 14, 2024 at 5:37 am
Yeah it’s an interesting find! Thanks for reading.
Sehrish junaid · March 14, 2024 at 1:49 am
Very nice blog. Very informative
Thank you
Where is Laura Traveling · March 14, 2024 at 5:37 am
Thank you for reading!
Ronda · March 14, 2024 at 2:47 am
That’s pretty neat! I remember when I lived in NJ and a woman made an Noah’s Ark from scraps she found around the city.
Where is Laura Traveling · March 14, 2024 at 5:36 am
Oh how cool! Yeah this was an interesting find! Glad you enjoyed the read.
Dana · March 14, 2024 at 3:35 am
This is very cool! How creative. Thanks for sharing!
Where is Laura Traveling · March 14, 2024 at 5:36 am
Thanks for reading!
Laura Weidman · March 14, 2024 at 1:16 pm
Always live your articles! I’ve never heard of this place before and so looking forward to going now!!
Katherine · March 14, 2024 at 9:41 pm
This is really cool! I love the detail and how close the photos are to really be able to see it! I’ve never heard of the cathedral of junk before but looks really interesting!
Tetyana · March 16, 2024 at 4:55 pm
WOW!
what an interesting post! I had no idea about Cathedral of Junk in Austin!
thanks for sharing 🙂