Cathedral of Junk

Austin, Texas, United States

Buildings and structures

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Listed, not yet checked · Oct 2026

This Big Thing is recorded as still being here.

A three-level folk-art structure of salvaged metal, tyres, bottles and other found material in a private backyard in South Austin, Texas. The Independent reported in September 2026 that it is 35 feet tall and about 60 tons.

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Cathedral of Junk

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Site-level location · 30.2145° N, 97.7936° W

FIELD GUIDE

The story

Built from about 60 tons of other people's cast-offs, this backyard tower in South Austin has outlasted a demolition threat and still takes visitors by appointment.

The Independent reported in September 2026 that the structure is 35 feet tall and made of metal, rubber, concrete and glass, with old tyres, light fixtures and roof turbine vents fashioned into a pyramid-like shape. Its builder, an Austin artist, told the paper it began in 1988 as separate sculptures that "kind of grew together". He described a domed front room almost three storeys tall, several staircases, a second level that could hold six to eight people and a seat at the top for three or four. Glass bottles poke through partial cement walls. He said his mother started calling it the Cathedral of Junk, and that most of the material comes from donated objects.

The structure has also been through a legal dispute. PBS NewsHour reported in April 2010 that Austin's Code Compliance Department told the builder to obtain a building permit and a certificate of occupancy or tear down the sculpture, then described as 33 feet tall and 60 tons. Austin Monthly reported in 2020 that after a neighbour's complaint in 2010 the city required an engineer to fortify it, volunteers helped alter its dimensions, and a permit was granted after seven months. The Independent says the neighbourhood association has held its annual party there for the last four years.

Reported heights have ranged from 33 feet in 2010 to nearly 30 in 2020 and 35 in 2026. Hoodline reported in September 2026 that visits are by phone appointment, with a suggested $5 cash donation per adult. It stands behind a private home, so please do not call at the house without an appointment.

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PRACTICAL

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WHAT TO EXPECT

A walk-through of a three-level structure of salvaged metal, tyres and bottles in a private backyard. Hoodline reported in September 2026 that visits are free by phone appointment, with a $5 cash donation per adult suggested; Yahoo reported there are no regular public hours.

ACCESS

Backyard of a private home in South Austin, Texas. Visits are by prior phone appointment only, not drop-in; please respect the neighbours and do not call at the house without an appointment.

COMMUNITY