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It's a hot summer day in Austin Texas and the gate to Cathedral of Junk is locked. Now,to legitimize my review so as not to be removed,I will do an indepth dive of what I can see of the " exhibit",as well as some observations of other Yelpers post. Evidently this " artist" has been assembling cast offs into Art for years Chances are you've seen national news articles on the place as I have. So,I finally established the intent to see it,making the traffic fighting drive to see it and...locked up. I suspect it has to do with diminished numbers of visitors in hot weather. You can see the main structure from the gate as well as front yard and curbside creations. Doesn't appear to be anything earth shattering to miss.
This is an interesting Austin staple. We went on a Sunday and found the gate locked - we discovered that you need to call ahead of time (you can call the number in Google maps) - because this place is just someone's backyard who created this art and he has it open to the public. When we called his voicemail explicitly states he doesn't do showings on Sunday so he can rest, so we didn't go in but there is a little donation box and bench right out front and you can kinda see the art from the driveway so we got a glimpse. Overall it seems to be a cute Austin thing to do - it's definitely not something you spend a lot of time doing but if you're in Austin and in the area, try calling to make an appointment to come see this :)
This place definitely keeps Austin weird! Vince, the artist, is friendly and welcoming. My friend and I were in awe as we explored this backyard art. There was just so much to take in - random objects everywhere. I found the chaos of it all to be the best part! This would be a great place to play "I Spy." Ha! Call Vince in advance to find out what days he's showing. Also, this is a residential area of town. I parked on the street near the house. This is definitely a spot to add to your Austin bucket list!
The Cathedral of Junk is exactly what it sounds like, and somehow so much more. Tucked away in a South Austin backyard, this towering, climbable, winding maze of discarded objects is the creation of one man, Vince Hannemann, who's spent decades turning other people's castoffs into an evolving, sculptural sanctuary. Important tip: you can't just stop in unannounced. You must call ahead and make a reservation. It's a one-man show, and Vince handles everything, so be kind when you call. He gets a lot of out-of-towners passing through, and he does his best to accommodate, but the place can't always be open. What makes this worth your time isn't just the sheer scale of the thing, though it's genuinely impressive. The real highlight is meeting Vince himself. He's a fantastic storyteller, sharp, a little bristly, but endlessly passionate about his creation and the Austin art scene. He can tell you about how it started, what's been added over the years, and how, astonishingly, he knows where every single object goes. While there is no admission charge, he encourages donations, and he also accepts donations of "junk" if you feel compelled to bring something unique. He was injured earlier in 2025, and the Cathedral was closed for a few months, so always call to check his availability. The Cathedral feels like a precursor to those immersive, multi-story art installations popping up around the country, like Meow Wolf, except this is one man's vision. No glowing lights, no interactive digital displays, just decades of collected ephemera arranged with a kind of stubborn, wonderful artistry. If you live in Austin or you love outsider art, make the time to see this. Call ahead, be patient, bring a cash donation if you can. It's a reminder of what continues to keep Austin weird in the best possible way.
It's very different. A massive amount of things compiled together to form structures. There are stairs to climb. Old things like skis, typewriter, glass bottles in cement. It's located in a neighborhood. The owners and creator are very friendly. They ask for donations.
10/10 unique experience in Austin! #KeepAustinWeird The Cathedral of Junk is in a residential neighborhood and I got the idea that neighbors aren't a huge fan of the traffic it brings in. Some road blocks and signs say through traffic isn't allowed on the street the cathedral is on but I parked with ease (as did others) in the neighborhood. The Cathedral of Junk is truly as the name suggests. Over a three-story structure, concrete holds countless objects, from tires to McDonald's Happy Meal toys to old telephones. You could spend days looking at every single item a part of the cathedral. Before the cathedral, there is a small shed with some history about how Vince, the artist and homeowner, created it and continues to add to it. Vince was sat outside his back door, chatting with visitors as they came in. A great and friendly guy! Visiting the cathedral is free but Vince humbly asks for donations, which can be made in cash or via Venmo. A great place to visit for those who enjoy something off the beaten path! And an awesome place for kids to romp around.
I enjoyed my visit to this attraction. It was a hot day but our ability to walk through the artwork was enjoyable because of the shade it provided. There is a lot to take in. The artist did a great job stimulating your eyes/mind and also engineered a path that allows you to walk through and up the exhibit. I love their approach to art and using items that would have ended up in a landfill. Great job to the artist! Come see their work and don't forget to donate!!
Walking through the maze, looking at all the different things that a person can make a cathedral out of.
My husband and I visited the Cathedral of Junk for our trip to Austin. Needless to say it was definitely worth it! It's beautiful, and an excellent use of junk that could have ended in a landfill. I didn't want to show too many pictures since it takes away the curiosity of it all, but if you're ever around Austin it's a sight worth driving to. Entrance is free, and the artist is very kind, please remember to bring cash for donations!
Yall, this man has been building this since he was 16! We tried to look at everything but there was SO much. So many things brought back so many childhood memories. It was truly fun. The owner/artist is super friendly and is so proud of his work. He should be! Just a fun fun place!
This is indeed a cathedral of junk! I've been wanting to visit the place for years and FINALLY made it there today! The owner and architect, Vince, is a very pleasant and gregarious gentleman. He began building this cathedral in the late 80s in his backyard. It's fun to look at all the relics that went into its creation. It is free to tour, you must call ahead, and I strongly encourage you to leave a donation in his donation box. This was and continues to be a labor of love that Vince is sharing with us. Let me know if you visit! Thank you, Vince!
Would love to visit for real. NOTE must arrange to visit by calling owner directly 512-299-7413. Love the uniqueness and we sadly had to miss and peak from the road. Will add this as a place to come back and explore. Owner does note there's bad info out on the web so hoping to help spread the right info and avoid any disappointments. Keep Austin weird!
Reviews are largely positive. Visitors highlight the unique art installation, friendly owner, and that it is fun for all ages.
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This is a great free thing to do in Austin -donations are welcomed. We got to meet Vince, the artist and he has been doing this a long time. It really is beautiful. You can tell that so much thought went into the placement of every piece. He has done this completely on his own! If you want to see it, just call Vince and he will let you know when you can come by! read more
4 days ago
We loved our experience here. This place is literally in someone's backyard. The owner and creator was so friendly and gave us a lot of history how this place came to be. There is so much to look at and it is just amazing to see firsthand. A definite must try when in the area. read more
It's a hot summer day in Austin Texas and the gate to Cathedral of Junk is locked. Now,to legitimize my review so as not to be removed,I will do an indepth dive of what I can see of the " exhibit",as well as some observations of other Yelpers post. Evidently this " artist" has been assembling cast offs into Art for years Chances are you've seen national news articles on the place as I have. So,I finally established the intent to see it,making the traffic fighting drive to see it and...locked up. I suspect it has to do with diminished numbers of visitors in hot weather. You can see the main structure from the gate as well as front yard and curbside creations. Doesn't appear to be anything earth shattering to miss. read more
1 year ago
This is an interesting Austin staple. We went on a Sunday and found the gate locked - we discovered that you need to call ahead of time (you can call the number in Google maps) - because this place is just someone's backyard who created this art and he has it open to the public. When we called his voicemail explicitly states he doesn't do showings on Sunday so he can rest, so we didn't go in but there is a little donation box and bench right out front and you can kinda see the art from the driveway so we got a glimpse. Overall it seems to be a cute Austin thing to do - it's definitely not something you spend a lot of time doing but if you're in Austin and in the area, try calling to make an appointment to come see this :) read more
This place definitely keeps Austin weird! Vince, the artist, is friendly and welcoming. My friend and I were in awe as we explored this backyard art. There was just so much to take in - random objects everywhere. I found the chaos of it all to be the best part! This would be a great place to play "I Spy." Ha! Call Vince in advance to find out what days he's showing. Also, this is a residential area of town. I parked on the street near the house. This is definitely a spot to add to your Austin bucket list! read more
The Cathedral of Junk is exactly what it sounds like, and somehow so much more. Tucked away in a South Austin backyard, this towering, climbable, winding maze of discarded objects is the creation of one man, Vince Hannemann, who's spent decades turning other people's castoffs into an evolving, sculptural sanctuary. Important tip: you can't just stop in unannounced. You must call ahead and make a reservation. It's a one-man show, and Vince handles everything, so be kind when you call. He gets a lot of out-of-towners passing through, and he does his best to accommodate, but the place can't always be open. What makes this worth your time isn't just the sheer scale of the thing, though it's genuinely impressive. The real highlight is meeting Vince himself. He's a fantastic storyteller, sharp, a little bristly, but endlessly passionate about his creation and the Austin art scene. He can tell you about how it started, what's been added over the years, and how, astonishingly, he knows where every single object goes. While there is no admission charge, he encourages donations, and he also accepts donations of "junk" if you feel compelled to bring something unique. He was injured earlier in 2025, and the Cathedral was closed for a few months, so always call to check his availability. The Cathedral feels like a precursor to those immersive, multi-story art installations popping up around the country, like Meow Wolf, except this is one man's vision. No glowing lights, no interactive digital displays, just decades of collected ephemera arranged with a kind of stubborn, wonderful artistry. If you live in Austin or you love outsider art, make the time to see this. Call ahead, be patient, bring a cash donation if you can. It's a reminder of what continues to keep Austin weird in the best possible way. read more
It's very different. A massive amount of things compiled together to form structures. There are stairs to climb. Old things like skis, typewriter, glass bottles in cement. It's located in a neighborhood. The owners and creator are very friendly. They ask for donations. read more
1 year ago
10/10 unique experience in Austin! #KeepAustinWeird The Cathedral of Junk is in a residential neighborhood and I got the idea that neighbors aren't a huge fan of the traffic it brings in. Some road blocks and signs say through traffic isn't allowed on the street the cathedral is on but I parked with ease (as did others) in the neighborhood. The Cathedral of Junk is truly as the name suggests. Over a three-story structure, concrete holds countless objects, from tires to McDonald's Happy Meal toys to old telephones. You could spend days looking at every single item a part of the cathedral. Before the cathedral, there is a small shed with some history about how Vince, the artist and homeowner, created it and continues to add to it. Vince was sat outside his back door, chatting with visitors as they came in. A great and friendly guy! Visiting the cathedral is free but Vince humbly asks for donations, which can be made in cash or via Venmo. A great place to visit for those who enjoy something off the beaten path! And an awesome place for kids to romp around. read more
I enjoyed my visit to this attraction. It was a hot day but our ability to walk through the artwork was enjoyable because of the shade it provided. There is a lot to take in. The artist did a great job stimulating your eyes/mind and also engineered a path that allows you to walk through and up the exhibit. I love their approach to art and using items that would have ended up in a landfill. Great job to the artist! Come see their work and don't forget to donate!! read more
1 year ago
Walking through the maze, looking at all the different things that a person can make a cathedral out of. read more
1 year ago
My husband and I visited the Cathedral of Junk for our trip to Austin. Needless to say it was definitely worth it! It's beautiful, and an excellent use of junk that could have ended in a landfill. I didn't want to show too many pictures since it takes away the curiosity of it all, but if you're ever around Austin it's a sight worth driving to. Entrance is free, and the artist is very kind, please remember to bring cash for donations! read more
Yall, this man has been building this since he was 16! We tried to look at everything but there was SO much. So many things brought back so many childhood memories. It was truly fun. The owner/artist is super friendly and is so proud of his work. He should be! Just a fun fun place! read more
2 years ago
This is indeed a cathedral of junk! I've been wanting to visit the place for years and FINALLY made it there today! The owner and architect, Vince, is a very pleasant and gregarious gentleman. He began building this cathedral in the late 80s in his backyard. It's fun to look at all the relics that went into its creation. It is free to tour, you must call ahead, and I strongly encourage you to leave a donation in his donation box. This was and continues to be a labor of love that Vince is sharing with us. Let me know if you visit! Thank you, Vince! read more
1 year ago
The Cathedral of Junk is peak Austin in the best way... weird, creative, and surprisingly beautiful. Every inch is loaded with art, history, and personality. The owner, Vince was very accommodating. Call ahead and wear good shoes. This place is an absolute must-see! read more
Would love to visit for real. NOTE must arrange to visit by calling owner directly 512-299-7413. Love the uniqueness and we sadly had to miss and peak from the road. Will add this as a place to come back and explore. Owner does note there's bad info out on the web so hoping to help spread the right info and avoid any disappointments. Keep Austin weird! read more
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood in South Austin is something so quirky, it's attractive. Since 1988, an artist named Vince has collected junk of all kinds and started building a tower. Today, it's a giant "cathedral" of junk with stairs going up to a second level. If you love truly off-the-beaten-path spots, grab a Lyft and pay the $15+ from downtown Austin to visit. Here's what you should know: 1) Plan: There aren't consistent hours or days so call Vince the day of to see if it's open. His number is online and is 512-299-7413. FYI: He takes Sundays as a day of rest and doesn't even answer the phone. I called the morning of and he asked what time I wanted to show up. He said after 5 p.m. was too late so I went at 1 p.m. He'll let you know about parking when you call. 2) Entrance: It's literally in a neighborhood with homes. When you arrive, you'll walk to the right of Vince's white house where he'll likely be standing. He'll talk about how the experience starts with the barn where you learn the history and inspiration behind the "Cathedral of Junk." Then explore his large backyard finding the two-level cathedral, a slide and a few other pieces made from "junk." 3) Cost: There's a suggested donation of $10 per adult, $5 for student and people over 50 and free for kids under 18 and veterans. There's a donation box for cash, but he also takes credit card via a Square attached to his smart phone. 4) Accessibility: It's in his backyard so it may be hard for wheelchairs to navigate. There are also several stairs to climb if you want to go to the second level where there are chairs. At the entrance is a sign for the deaf community to read that outlines how to experience the Cathedral of Junk. read more
If you're visiting Austin, it's worth it to stop here... but Hold your horses..... Before you head on to this Cathedral of Junk, be sure to call and make an appointment because this unusual art museum is by appointments only. One thing to note: this museum is nestled in a cute neighborhood, so don't be alarmed... We were instantly greeted by the owner.. he was so welcoming to my family and I. Admission is free, however, you can make a donation... the owner has cold waters in a cooler for all of the guest of the museum... Once you walk in you are immediately wow'd by this artsy junk... so many photo opportunities here so get those cameras ready to snap snap snap away.. Enjoy! read more
1 year ago
Absolutely amazing, the level of detail that went into this masterpiece. Bonus if you can find the secret beehive! read more
1 year ago
Everything. It was very interesting and a really cool place to see. Definitely would visit again! read more
11 months ago
5 years ago
Oh, WOW! I have never seen anything like it! We came in without an appointment on Monday and we got in no problem. Donation based and you can easily spend an hour wandering through. A fun and surprising stop . Really cool to see all the creations. I can't believe this is in a backyard. Keep austin weird!! read more
This is just one of those stops I can't totally explain. You have to go see it for yourself. They don't necessarily have specific hours since this is a gentleman's backyard. Always call before you go and if he is home he will tell you to stop by. Parking in the neighborhood is easy. Visiting is free but he does have a donation box at the end which I feel like is totally warranted. We had fun exploring the cathedral of junk. Once you get inside you realize it is way bigger than it looks and has a couple staircases that take you to different levels. I definitely got some cool photos from the visit. read more
10-25-21 Quality/Quantity - It's art, it's junk. It's reuse which is better than recycling! Atmosphere - Cool, you gotta appreciate it. Wonder if the neighbors do? He even offers insect repellent, which you will need! There is also a history knowledge in his shed. Additionally, there is a challenge to find certain objects in his art which makes the experience interactive. I guess you can sign the shed, but I did not see any pens or markers, nor did I ask. Service - Closed Sundays. Owner is the best! What a great attitude and personality. Appointment only, except for impulsive people like us. He was so cool, he let us in anyway. He spaces the appointments accordingly to promote social distancing; there was a steady stream of people coming while we were there. We stayed longer than most, as we hung out with the owner:) Price - Suggested donations, see picture. Owner Suggestion - Keep up the good work on everything. The Art, repurposing, and personality. read more
This place is so unique! The owner is super kind and friendly. You do have to call before you visit and make sure the owner is home and open to visitors. It's free to visit, but he does take donations. All the stairs and things that you climb up were super sturdy. My kids absolutely loved this place! 10/10 recommend if you like unique stops! read more
1 year ago
Let me put this into context for a normal person: This random guy in Austin collected garbage, antiques, and miscellaneous junk for years and created a must-see tourist attraction in his own backyard. Don't believe me? You can see it driving down the block towering over his house/fences! I mean listen, for anyone who goes to yard sales, thrift stores, antique shops or even browses eBay or Facebook Marketplace in their spare time, this is a must-see right?! Talk about a throwback. If you want to unlock a bunch of random memories from your childhood that you didn't even know existed, stop by. Wanna go? Here's how it works: First, call the creator up directly and discuss when you'll be stopping by. There is no fee to check it out but it is recommended to give a $5 donation per person. Worth five bucks for sure. Then, make sure you park either directly in front of the home or park on a side street away from the home to not bother the neighbors. Lastly, arrive at the time agreed upon and explore, take photos, and enjoy the Cathedral. For anyone who lives in Austin and may have visitors coming into town, this is a cool activity that doesn't cost much, isn't too time consuming, and is definitely memorable. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
Definitely the most unusual art installation I have ever seen. It's a trip into the past, it's representative of the present and I hope it's not a prediction of the future. Play the scavenger hunt, you won't believe the things you see when you start to focus. Highly recommend. read more
We came to Austin to check out the town , my wife tells me. I want to go to the cathedral of junk. I'm like ok what the heck are we going to see at the cathedral of junk besides junk. She tells me it's at someone's back yard. Ooookkkkkk this is going to be interesting . I was not expecting this to be a cool stop. Lots of junk but fun to look at. Spoke to the artist he told us he had to have a permit to build this in his back yard. There a $10 donation per guess worth it read more
I forgot to make an appointment prior to my visit but Vince was kind enough to let us in anyway. He has two dogs that greet you at the gate and love pets and boops. When I first arrived I was surprised that the cathedral of junk was actually in his backyard! Even more grateful that he would open up his home to the public. There is no particular direction in which to go. The cathedral is more like a maze and is even three stories high! It really is a collection of random junk but everything is tastefully color coordinated (an organized mess)! Also, you will see some pretty nostalgic toys and electronics that remind you of when you were a kid. Donations are appreciated and encouraged ! ($5/person) read more
2 years ago
We were blown away by the detail and passion Vince has poured into this Cathedral of Junk masterpiece! My children loved it and us adults were just as mesmerized. His dog, Smokey, is the cherry on top. A must-see when in Austin. (Call before you go and bring cash to donate to this incredible work of art!) read more
2 years ago
We had an amazing time I would definitely recommend this the nostalgia of the place is awesome give yourself time to find alllll the neat things hidden read more
Very cool Austin experience. The area has been art in the making since the 80s. It's such a cool atmosphere being surrounded by junk in an artistic way. There are stairs to multiple floors and just all sorts of things to look at and even a slide lol. One cool fact is Spy Kids 3D was filmed here. This is a must see spot in Austin! read more
Wow. What an incredible place. I was so glad when I found this place and did the research so I could be prepared when visiting. Like others have said - please make sure you contact the owner before visiting thus property. It is in his backyard! Please be considerate with parking. $10 donation per person, cash We called while eating breakfast on our day of departure, and we're able to visit later that morning!!! This was the only thing we hadn't been able to do on our trip and I don't think it would have been complete without it. We were greeted by the owner and his dogs and then able to explore the cathedral! The whole time I felt like a kid just smiling and laughing looking at everything. We walked through multiple times and each time you see something different. He even has a little shed with the cathedrals history. Words don't do it justice, pictures even don't. This is something that you must experience in Austin Keep Austin weird read more
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