How to Tour the Cathedral of Junk Art Tour

The Cathedral of Junk is not a place of worship in the traditional sense—it is a sprawling, ever-evolving sculpture garden born from curiosity, creativity, and the refusal to let discarded objects go to waste. Located in Austin, Texas, this extraordinary installation was built over decades by artist Vince Hannemann and his family, transforming ordinary household refuse into an awe-inspiring architectural wonder. What began as a backyard project has grown into a globally recognized landmark of sustainable art, drawing visitors from around the world who seek not just spectacle, but meaning.

Touring the Cathedral of Junk is more than sightseeing—it’s an immersive experience in resourcefulness, environmental consciousness, and the power of personal expression. Unlike conventional museums or galleries, the Cathedral invites you to walk through its labyrinthine corridors, peer into hidden alcoves, and touch the very materials that once served mundane purposes: old TVs, bicycle wheels, broken toys, rusted metal, and discarded appliances, all reassembled into towering spires, arches, and domes. It challenges the notion of value, asking: What makes something trash? And who decides?

This tutorial provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to planning, experiencing, and reflecting on your visit to the Cathedral of Junk. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, a curious traveler, or simply someone who loves unconventional spaces, this guide will help you navigate the tour with intention, respect, and deep appreciation. You’ll learn not just how to get there, but how to truly see what’s there—beyond the surface of junk, into the heart of human ingenuity.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Nature of the Site

Before you plan your visit, it’s essential to recognize that the Cathedral of Junk is not a commercial attraction. It is a private residence and a labor of love, not a museum with set hours or guided staff. Vince Hannemann and his family live on the property, and the Cathedral exists as an extension of their home. This means access is limited, and visits are by appointment only. There are no ticket booths, no signage on the street, and no public parking. Respecting these boundaries is fundamental to preserving the integrity of the space.

Understanding this context transforms your visit from a casual outing into a privileged encounter. You are not just a tourist—you are a guest invited into someone’s deeply personal artistic universe. Approach with humility, curiosity, and gratitude.

Step 2: Schedule Your Visit Through Official Channels

Visits to the Cathedral of Junk are arranged through its official website: cathedralofjunk.com. This is the only legitimate way to book a tour. Do not rely on third-party platforms, social media influencers, or word-of-mouth referrals alone—many of these may be outdated or inaccurate.

On the website, you’ll find a contact form or email address (typically info@cathedralofjunk.com) where you can request a tour. Include your preferred date and time, the number of people in your group, and any special considerations (e.g., mobility needs, children, group size). Tours are typically offered on weekends, with limited availability due to the private nature of the site.

Be patient. Responses may take several days to a week, as Vince and his team manage requests manually. Do not send multiple follow-ups. If you don’t hear back within 10 days, send one polite reminder. Once confirmed, you’ll receive detailed directions, parking instructions, and rules for your visit.

Step 3: Prepare for the Journey

The Cathedral of Junk is located in a residential neighborhood in Austin, Texas. There is no public transportation to the site, so you must arrive by car. When you receive your confirmation, study the directions carefully. The address is not publicly listed for privacy reasons, and GPS may not lead you directly to the entrance. You’ll be given landmarks and turn-by-turn instructions.

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The terrain includes uneven ground, steps, narrow walkways, and areas with loose debris. While the structure is stable and safe, it is not designed for wheelchairs or strollers. If you have mobility concerns, mention them during your booking request—some accommodations may be possible with advance notice.

Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The Cathedral is primarily outdoors, and Austin’s climate can be hot and humid, especially in spring and summer. Avoid bringing large bags or backpacks. There is no storage, and space is limited. A small camera or smartphone is encouraged, but flash photography is prohibited to preserve the integrity of fragile materials and respect the private nature of the home.

Step 4: Arrive on Time and Respect the Rules

Punctuality is critical. Your tour is scheduled around the family’s daily life. Arriving late may result in a shortened visit or cancellation. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early. Park only in the designated area—never block driveways or neighbor’s spaces.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by Vince or a family member. They will offer a brief orientation, explaining the history of the Cathedral and the rules for your visit. These rules are non-negotiable and include:

• No touching unless explicitly permitted
• No climbing on structures
• No flash photography
• No food or drinks inside the Cathedral
• No smoking or vaping
• Keep voices low—this is a residential area

These rules exist not to restrict you, but to protect the artwork and the family’s privacy. Following them demonstrates respect and ensures future visitors can experience the same wonder.

Step 5: Engage Mindfully During the Tour

The tour typically lasts 45 to 75 minutes, depending on group size and interest. You’ll walk through multiple rooms and levels of the Cathedral, each section representing a different theme: technology, transportation, toys, nature, and memory. Vince often shares stories behind specific objects—how he acquired them, what inspired their placement, or the emotional significance they hold.

Listen closely. The narrative is as important as the structure. One pile of broken radios may represent the evolution of communication; a tower of bicycle parts might symbolize childhood freedom. Pay attention to the layers—how materials are stacked, how light filters through gaps, how color contrasts create rhythm.

Ask thoughtful questions. Avoid superficial ones like “How long did this take?” Instead, try: “What made you choose this specific toaster over others?” or “How did this piece change as you built around it?” These inquiries invite deeper storytelling and often lead to unexpected insights.

Take your time. Don’t rush. The Cathedral rewards patience. Sit on a bench if one is available. Look up. Look down. Look sideways. Notice the textures—the rust, the plastic peeling, the paint fading. Each imperfection tells a story.

Step 6: Reflect After Your Visit

When your tour ends, you’ll be thanked and shown the exit. Do not linger. Respect the family’s return to their private life.

Afterward, take time to reflect. Journal your thoughts. What surprised you? What did you feel? Did any object evoke a memory? Did you see your own discarded items in a new light?

Consider sharing your experience—without revealing exact location details or photos of the home’s exterior. Use social media to spread awareness of the Cathedral’s message: creativity, sustainability, and the beauty of repurposing. Tag the official account if possible, and use hashtags like

CathedralOfJunk, #JunkArt, #SustainableArt, #RepurposeNotDiscard.

Most importantly, carry the lesson forward. The next time you’re about to throw something away, pause. Could it become part of something greater? Could it be seen not as trash, but as potential?

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Ethical Tourism

Visiting the Cathedral of Junk is a form of cultural tourism—but it’s not a spectacle to be consumed. It’s a living, breathing expression of one family’s values. Ethical tourism means recognizing that this is not a theme park. It is not for viral content. It is not a photo op.

Do not post geotags. Do not share exact addresses. Do not encourage others to show up unannounced. These actions have led to trespassing, vandalism, and harassment of the Hannemann family in the past. Protect the Cathedral by protecting its privacy.

Instead, advocate for the philosophy behind it. Share articles, documentaries, or interviews with Vince. Support local artists who repurpose materials. Donate to environmental art initiatives. Your impact extends far beyond one visit.

Practice 2: Embrace Slow Observation

In a world of rapid scrolling and fleeting attention, the Cathedral of Junk demands slowness. Resist the urge to take 50 photos in 5 minutes. Instead, pick one section—perhaps the “Television Tower” or the “Toy Castle”—and spend 10 minutes just observing.

Ask yourself:

• What materials are used here?
• How are they connected?
• What does the arrangement say about order and chaos?
• Does it feel heavy or light? Joyful or melancholic?

Slow observation transforms you from a passive viewer into an active interpreter. You begin to see patterns, repetitions, and intentional asymmetries. You start to understand that this isn’t random—it’s composed.

Practice 3: Document Responsibly

Photography is allowed, but with limits. Use natural light. Avoid flash. Do not use tripods or drones. Do not stage people in front of the artwork as if it’s a backdrop. The objects are not props—they are the legacy of decades of labor.

If you post photos online, caption them with context. For example: “A section of the Cathedral of Junk, built from discarded electronics by artist Vince Hannemann in Austin, TX. A monument to reuse, not waste.” This educates others and honors the artist’s intent.

Practice 4: Bring a Mindset of Curiosity, Not Judgment

Some visitors arrive expecting “art” to mean polished, expensive, or classical. The Cathedral challenges that. It is raw, imperfect, and sometimes unsettling. A broken doll’s head may be mounted beside a rusted lawnmower. A child’s tricycle may form the base of a 12-foot column.

Don’t judge it as “ugly” or “messy.” Instead, ask: What does this say about our relationship to consumption? What does it say about memory? About loss? About hope?

Art doesn’t have to be beautiful to be powerful. Sometimes, the most profound art is the kind that makes you uncomfortable—and then makes you think.

Practice 5: Extend the Experience Beyond the Visit

The true value of the Cathedral of Junk lies not in the visit itself, but in what it inspires afterward. Consider starting your own small junk art project. Collect discarded items from your home—old keys, bottle caps, broken lamps—and arrange them on a windowsill or in a shadow box. Label them. Tell their story.

Encourage your children or students to do the same. Schools have used the Cathedral as a case study in environmental science, art, and critical thinking. You can too.

Organize a neighborhood cleanup and challenge friends to turn collected items into art. Host a “Junk Art Show” in your garage or community center. The Cathedral of Junk is not just a place—it’s a movement.

Tools and Resources

Official Website

cathedralofjunk.com – The primary resource for booking tours, learning the history, and accessing media. The site includes a timeline of the Cathedral’s growth, photos from past visitors (with permission), and links to interviews and documentaries.

Documentaries and Media

The Cathedral of Junk (2014) – A 20-minute short film by Austin-based filmmaker Mark C. Eshelman. Available on Vimeo and YouTube, this documentary captures the evolution of the Cathedral and Vince’s philosophy. It’s essential viewing before your visit.

“The Art of Reuse” – Texas Monthly Feature (2017) – A beautifully written article exploring the cultural impact of the Cathedral. Includes quotes from neighbors, art critics, and environmentalists.

NPR’s “All Things Considered” – “A Cathedral Built From Trash” (2019) – A 7-minute audio feature that captures the emotional resonance of the site. Listen while walking through your own neighborhood to notice discarded objects in a new way.

Books and Reading

“The Life of Things” by George Monbiot – Explores how objects carry memory and meaning beyond their utility. A philosophical companion to the Cathedral’s ethos.

“Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things” by William McDonough and Michael Braungart – A foundational text in sustainable design. The Cathedral is a real-world manifestation of these principles.

“Trash: The Story of a Nation’s Waste” by Susan Strasser – A historical deep-dive into how consumer culture created our current waste crisis. Provides context for why the Cathedral matters.

Apps and Digital Tools

Google Arts & Culture – Search “Cathedral of Junk” for curated collections of similar junk art installations around the world. Compare and contrast styles.

Pinterest – Create a board titled “Junk Art Inspiration.” Save images of other repurposed art projects. Use it as a creative reference.

Evernote or Notion – Use these tools to journal your thoughts before, during, and after your visit. Create a template: “What I Saw / What I Felt / What I Learned / What I’ll Do Differently.”

Local Austin Resources

Thinkery (Austin Children’s Museum) – Offers workshops on recycling and art. Great for families visiting the Cathedral.

Art Alliance Austin – Hosts talks and exhibitions on unconventional art. Sign up for their newsletter to learn about related events.

Keep Austin Beautiful – A nonprofit focused on waste reduction. Volunteer with them to extend the Cathedral’s mission into community action.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Television Tower

One of the most iconic structures in the Cathedral is the Television Tower—a 15-foot column made entirely of old CRT televisions, stacked like bricks. Each TV has been stripped of its casing, exposing the cathode ray tubes, wires, and circuit boards. Some screens are shattered; others still glow faintly from residual charge.

Visitors often pause here, wondering: Why televisions? Vince explains that televisions were once the centerpiece of family life—the window to the world. Now, they’re discarded within five years. The tower is a monument to our obsession with novelty and our failure to value what we’ve been given.

One visitor, a retired electronics engineer, spent 20 minutes studying the wiring patterns. He later emailed the family to say he’d started collecting broken TVs in his garage, planning to build a smaller version for his grandchildren. The Cathedral sparked a ripple effect.

Example 2: The Bicycle Wheel Arch

High above a narrow passage, a circular arch is formed from over 200 bicycle wheels, suspended by chains and bolts. Some wheels are missing spokes; others are rusted beyond recognition. The structure sways slightly in the wind, creating a soft, metallic chime.

This piece was inspired by Vince’s son, who loved riding bikes as a child. When the bikes broke, Vince kept the wheels—not because they were valuable, but because they represented movement, freedom, and childhood. The arch is both a tribute and a warning: we discard motion too easily.

A group of college students studying industrial design visited this section and later created a thesis project: “The Lifecycle of a Bicycle Wheel.” They tracked the journey of discarded wheels in Austin landfills and designed a community collection program that turned them into playground equipment. Their project won a state sustainability award.

Example 3: The Toy Graveyard

Under a tarp-covered section lies a mound of broken toys: stuffed animals missing eyes, plastic action figures with limbs detached, toy cars with cracked windshields. This is not a display—it’s a burial ground. Each toy was given by a child who outgrew it, then discarded. Vince collected them over years, not to hoard, but to honor.

Visitors often cry here. One mother brought her daughter, who had recently lost a beloved stuffed bear. The girl placed a new bear on the mound and whispered, “I’m sorry I didn’t take better care of you.”

The Toy Graveyard is not about sadness. It’s about love. It asks: What do we do with the things we once cherished? Do we forget them? Or do we remember them, even when they’re broken?

Example 4: The Community Response

In 2021, a local high school teacher brought her AP Art class to the Cathedral. Instead of writing a traditional essay, she asked students to create a “Junk Art Response”—a small installation using only discarded materials from their homes. One student built a heart from 300 plastic bottle caps, each labeled with a word: “Hope,” “Regret,” “Second Chance,” “Waste.”

The installation was displayed at the school’s annual art show. A local gallery noticed it and invited the student to exhibit it alongside professional artists. The student later said, “I didn’t know junk could be sacred until I saw the Cathedral.”

These real examples show that the Cathedral doesn’t just exist as a physical space—it lives in the minds and actions of those who experience it.

FAQs

Can I just show up to the Cathedral of Junk without an appointment?

No. The Cathedral of Junk is located on private property and is not open to walk-ins. Showing up unannounced is trespassing and disrespectful to the family who maintains the site. Always book through the official website.

Is the Cathedral wheelchair accessible?

Due to its nature as a handmade, multi-level structure built on uneven terrain, the Cathedral is not wheelchair accessible. There are stairs, narrow passages, and uneven ground. If you have mobility concerns, contact the family in advance—they may be able to offer a modified viewing from the perimeter or share a video tour.

Can I bring children on the tour?

Yes, children are welcome. Many families visit with children aged 8 and older. Younger children may find the space overwhelming or confusing. Always supervise children closely—some areas have loose materials and sharp edges. The family often shares stories that resonate deeply with kids, especially those about toys and technology.

How long does the tour last?

Tours typically last between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on group size and engagement. The family does not rush visitors, but please be mindful of their time and schedule.

Is there a fee to visit?

There is no set fee. The Cathedral operates on donations. After your tour, you may leave a contribution in a box near the exit. All funds go toward maintenance, materials for future expansions, and educational outreach. Donations are voluntary and appreciated.

Can I take photos and post them online?

You may take photos for personal use, but do not post geotags, exact addresses, or photos of the family’s home. Do not use the images for commercial purposes. Always credit the artist: “Cathedral of Junk by Vince Hannemann, Austin, TX.”

Is the Cathedral open year-round?

Yes, but tours are scheduled seasonally. The site is most accessible in spring and fall. Summer tours may be limited due to heat, and winter tours may be canceled during heavy rain. Always confirm your booking a few days in advance.

What if I want to donate items to the Cathedral?

The family does not accept unsolicited donations. They carefully select materials over time based on aesthetic and symbolic value. If you have items you believe might fit, email them with photos and a description. They may respond if it aligns with their current project.

Can I volunteer to help build the Cathedral?

Volunteering is not permitted. The Cathedral is a personal, evolving project created by Vince and his immediate family. It is not a public art project or community initiative. Respect its intimate nature.

Is the Cathedral of Junk the same as the “Junk Cathedral” in other cities?

No. The Cathedral of Junk is unique to Austin, Texas, and is the original and only installation by Vince Hannemann. Other cities may have similar junk art installations, but they are unrelated. Always verify the artist and location to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

The Cathedral of Junk is not a monument to waste. It is a monument to attention. To care. To seeing value where others see nothing. It is a quiet rebellion against a culture that equates worth with newness, and meaning with perfection.

Touring the Cathedral of Junk is not about collecting a photo or checking a box on your travel list. It is about witnessing the transformation of the discarded into the divine. It is about understanding that beauty is not always polished—it is often patched, painted over, and painfully human.

As you leave, you won’t just remember the towering spires or the clinking chains. You’ll remember the silence between the objects. The weight of what was thrown away. The courage it took to pick it up again.

And perhaps, most importantly, you’ll remember that you, too, are made of discarded moments—broken dreams, forgotten promises, old regrets. But like the Cathedral, you, too, can be rebuilt. Not by replacing what’s broken, but by reimagining it.

Visit with intention. Leave with transformation. And carry the Cathedral with you—not in your camera roll, but in your choices. The next time you hold something broken in your hands, ask yourself: Could this be part of something sacred? Could this be part of a cathedral?

The answer, as the Cathedral shows us, is always yes.