If you’re looking for interesting places to visit in Austin, the Cathedral of Junk is a little slice of that “Keep Austin Weird” vibe. The Cathedral of Junk is one man’s backyard that has turned into an evolving sculpture of junk in South Austin. The Cathedral of Junk began in the late 1980’s as a project by the homeowner; Vince Hannemann. He’s continued to add toys, signs, tires, bicycles, bottles, circuits, sunglasses, concrete, metal, etc. Vince has also had people who donated junk to add to the Cathedral. The structure has multiple levels and several of the “rooms” feature a main color. It’s a great reminder that everyday objects that are thrown away can be turned into something quirky, strange, and beautiful. It does not take long for visitors to meander through the structure, but you could easily spend a couple of hours admiring how all the junk is constructed together. Each time you walk through the Cathedral, you can easily find something new in a room that you didn’t notice before.
To visit the Cathedral of Junk, you must contact Vince to make an appointment since it is a private home. A minimum $10 donation is required per group and you must call ahead since there are no set hours, and the Cathedral isn’t open every day. It’s a great place to visit and definitely off the beaten path for things to do in Austin.
