Cathedral of Junk: Austin’s Backyard Palace of Discarded Clutter
In the late 1980s. Austin resident Vince Hannemann took the phrase “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” quite literally. Hannemann began to construct a fort in his backyard out of discarded items such as license plates, surf boards, street signs, and bicycles. Vince Hannemann didn’t start out with any grand plans for his trash fort that ultimately evolved into a majestic Cathedral of Junk with vaulted ceilings. Hannemann simply wanted a cozy spot to hang out in his backyard, with a roomy chair equipped with a discarded tire as a footrest.
Over the years, Vince Hannemann’s Cathedral of Junk has become quite a sensation. Visitors from around the globe flock to Hannemann’s backyard to spend hours wandering rooms constructed out of discarded odds and ends. Hannemann offers Cathedral of Junk tours for a suggested donation of $5. Hannemann rents out the Cathedral of Junk for weddings, parties, and other events. Cathedral of Junk enthusiasts often bring Hannemann hubcaps, toys, and beer bottles to add to his creation. Hannemann is very selective about which pieces of junk he integrates into his beloved backyard sanctuary.
Photo by Pamela/Flickr
Most residents of Hannemann’s Austin neighborhood embrace the Cathedral of Junk—largely because it isn’t visible from the street. Tenants of a townhouse with a clear view of Hannemann’s backyard have made several unsuccessful attempts to have the Cathedral of Junk razed. City inspectors have always found the Cathedral of Junk to be structurally sound. Hannemann did demolish the Cathedral of Junk’s prominent three-story tower, only to use the remnants of the tower as a foundation for a few additional rooms. Vince Hannemann says that he will retire his backyard creation one of these days—but for now, the Cathedral of Junk continues to grow. A group of irate townhouse dwellers are no match for a 60-ton structurally sound Cathedral of Junk.
Address:
4422 Lareina Drive
Austin, Texas, 78745
United States
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Cathedral of Junk, 4422 Lareina Drive, Austin, Texas, USA (map point for the backyard sculpture; private residence)
- Coordinates
- 30.21865, -97.77153
- Access
- The Cathedral is in the artist’s private backyard. It is currently open to visitors by prior appointment only; call Vince Hannemann at (512) 299-7413 to arrange a time. Do not enter the yard or approach the installation unannounced. Respect the residential street and do not block neighbors’ driveways or mailboxes.
- Admission
- No fixed admission charge is reported; visitors may leave an optional cash donation. A September 2026 report describes a suggested $5 per adult donation. Confirm arrangements when booking.
- Time needed
- About 30 minutes was reported for one visit by Austin City Guide; actual time depends on the appointment and how long you explore.
- Best season
- The Cathedral does not publish a preferred visiting season. For this outdoor backyard attraction, Visit Austin describes spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) as its most comfortable weather windows; this is city-wide weather guidance, not an owner recommendation. Visits remain appointment-only, so confirm an available date directly before going.
- Opening hours
- No set public hours. Visits are arranged directly with the owner by appointment; call (512) 299-7413 before visiting.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-03
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-03
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