If you’re looking for the “Keep Austin Weird” version of Austin, Texas, you have to add the Cathedral of Junk to your bucket list. It is a 3-story structure built in a backyard in South Austin out of all kinds of discarded items.
Here’s everything you need to know to visit this true Austin masterpiece!
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What is the Cathedral of Junk?
The Cathedral of Junk is a giant art piece made over decades by one Austin man in his backyard. He has created a multi-story structure with stairs and different rooms completely out of “junk” like license plates, crutches, mattresses, shopping carts and so many things, you could never see them all.
Visitors can explore the different rooms, climb the two sets of stairs to reach the different levels, and probably find lots of nostalgic items buried throughout!
What is the history of the Cathedral of Junk?
Vince Hannemann started building the structure in 1988 in the backyard of his home and has been adding to it ever since, occasionally disassembling and reassembling parts of it. His mom first called it the Cathedral of Junk in 1992.
Though he’s had some complaints to the city from neighbors through the years, city engineers who have inspected the cathedral have found it to be structurally sound — though he did have to take down his “pyramid” of 200 TVs.
He basically says he’s just doing it because it’s fun and he likes it. Simple as that!
How do you visit the Cathedral of Junk?
To visit the Cathedral of Junk, you have to call to find out if it’s open or make an appointment. Call the home owner Vince at 512-299-7413. He handles the phone calls and appointments himself, so be patient and kind!
When we went on a Saturday, we called and Vince told us to come out any time before 6 pm. But it’ll vary by day and by his schedule.
The Cathedral of Junk is closed on Sundays.
How much does the Cathedral of Junk cost?
Visiting the Cathedral of Junk is free, but donations are welcome. A $5 donation for an individual or $10 for a group is recommended.
Where is the Cathedral of Junk?
The Cathedral of Junk is located in a residential neighborhood in South Austin. The address is 4422 Lareina Drive.
It’s street parking on a residential street, so be respectful of the neighbors.
Should I bring kids to Cathedral of Junk in Austin?
Yes! It’s kid-friendly and fun to explore (and play I Spy!). You’ll want to keep an eye on your kids, since there’s plenty of random stuff around. But you don’t need to worry about breaking anything or needing to be calm and quiet.
There’s so much to find, in the walls, ceilings, even in the concrete of the stairs. And in the back, there’s a slide made out of old tiles!
What else do I need to know about visiting?
There are no public bathrooms available, so plan accordingly! (See below for nearby spots that are kid-friendly where you could head if you need a restroom.)
Can I bring donations to add to the junk?
I would call and ask if Vince is accepting donations. He decides whether an item fits his vibes and if he’ll add it, so even if you donate, there are no guarantees it will become part of the cathedral.
You cannot bring an item and add it to the Cathedral yourself.
What kid-friendly places are near the Cathedral of Junk?
You can hang out at the Cathedral of Junk for as long as you like (or as long as Vince allows), but if you’re wanting to make a bigger outing of it, there are some really fun family-friendly places near the Cathedral of Junk.
We went to St. Elmo Brewing right after our visit, which is a 5-minute drive from Cathedral of Junk. It has an old Fortlandia fort made of colored boxes that kids can climb in and around.
Pins Mechanical Co. is also right around the corner, and has a ton of free games, as well as pinball and duckpin bowling for a fee. It’s super fun!
Looking for more classic Austin experiences?