The Cathedral of JunkVince Hanneman

vince-hannemann-catherdral-of-junk--042219763578l

Used with permission of the photographer, Kelly Ludwig

vince-hannemann-catherdral-of-junk--052219764048l

Used with permission of the photographer, Kelly Ludwig

vince-hannemann-catherdral-of-junk--212218979225l

Used with permission of the photographer, Kelly Ludwig

vince-hannemann-catherdral-of-junk--222218979583l

Used with permission of the photographer, Kelly Ludwig

Used with permission of the photographer, Kelly Ludwig

Status

Extant

Address

4422 Lareina Drive, Austin, Texas, 78745, United States

Built

begun 1989

Visiting Information

Ask for permission prior to entering

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About the Artist/Site

In the artist’s own words:

“The Cathedral of Junk was begun in 1989 as a bunch of hubcaps on the fence. Intended as a private backyard artwork, it grew thru donations of junk into the ultimate treehouse/fort. Used for weddings, plays, birthday partys [sic], featured in Spy Kids CD and a Bank of American commercial, and plugged by the city as a destination for locals and tourists. All seemed well until March of 2010 when CODE ENFORCMENT found the Cathedral in violation, requiring a building permit. 3 lawyers, 2 engineers, l accountant, 100’s of volunteers and the removal of 40 tons of junk out of the easement secured the permit. Visited by 10,000 earthlings a year, the Cathedral continues to operate on the edge of a public and private space. Welcome.”

After much negotiation, it appears that the Cathedral will be able to remain, at least for the moment. As it is private property, ask for permission prior to entering.