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Vince Hannemann's 40-year Cathedral of Junk in Austin, Texas, opens to visitors and donations
In Austin, Texas, artist Vince Hannemann has spent 40 years building the Cathedral of Junk, a 35-foot-tall structure made from 60 tons of discarded items in his backyard. Started in 1988, the structure began as individual sculptures that merged over time. Hannemann accepts donations from visitors, which provide materials for the ongoing project. The Cathedral has become a local attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. In 2010, the city required a building permit after a neighbor's complaint, but it remains open by appointment. Hannemann enjoys seeing children interact with the relics, and the site is part of Austin's quirky culture.

Updated Sep 21, 2026 First reported Sep 20, 2026