Paris has Notre Dame, London has Westminster Abbey, and Moscow has St. Basil’s. Austin, on the other hand, boasts something uniquely its own—the Cathedral of Junk!
Vince Hannemann started this distinctive project in 1988, creating a large-scale “cathedral” from over 60 tons of discarded items—old bikes, appliances, hubcaps, TVs, and more. Everything you can imagine has been pieced together in Vince’s backyard to form this sprawling structure.
Initially, Vince scavenged for materials himself, but it wasn’t long before people started donating their unwanted items, allowing him to continually expand and add new sections to his creation. A few years back, the city of Austin tried to close it down due to concerns from neighbors about it being an eyesore and safety hazard. However, Vince, with the help of volunteers, managed to modify the structure to meet city codes, and the Cathedral of Junk remained open.
After briefly considering taking it down, Vince reversed his decision, and now the cathedral is larger than ever. In a city known for embracing the unconventional, a huge cathedral made of junk in a suburban backyard fits right in. When I visited, I spent a lot of time chatting with Vince and exploring this whimsical architectural wonder.
I noticed many families there; kids were darting around, fully engaged in imaginative play. It’s a hit with locals because it keeps children entertained for a couple of hours. If you’re visiting Austin with your family, this place is a must-see. Your kids will have a blast. And if you’re traveling alone, you should stop by too—I certainly enjoyed it.
If you want to check out the Cathedral of Junk, it’s located at 4422 Lareina Drive in Austin, about a 15-minute drive from downtown. You can also take the #10 bus, which takes about 30 minutes. There’s no set admission fee, but a $5 donation is suggested for adults. Since it’s not open every day and there are no set hours, it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting.
While the Cathedral of Junk might not be the top attraction in Austin, its sheer oddity makes it a must-visit. It’s an excellent example of Austin’s motto to “Keep Austin Weird.” Whether you’re alone or with family, add this to your itinerary. It’s definitely worth the trip!
