Man keeps Austin weird with 'Cathedral of Junk' – Spectrum News
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AUSTIN, Texas — The sound of an old wind turbine breaks the silence in one south Austin neighborhood. It’s not the only turbine in Vince Hanneman’s backyard. In fact, it’s not the only anything in Hanneman’s backyard.
“I don’t know how many crutches I’ve got out here. I don’t have enough crutches. Some things I’ve got enough of,” he said.
Hanneman’s collection makes up his Cathedral of Junk. The huge pile of troll dolls, tires and metal objects has sat in his backyard for years.
“Well, I’ve been building sculptures in the backyard ever since I was a kid. So, it was just what I liked to do. When I moved here in 1989, from Santa Fe, there was nothing in the backyard; just a big oak tree out back,” said Hanneman.
Most of the items that make up his cathedral are donated. Hanneman takes it all in stride.
“It’s my mistress. It’s my Moby Dick. I gotta catch a whale I tell ya! haha!” he said.
His cathedral has gained a following over the years. People make appointments to tour it, and even Hollywood came calling.
“It was in the Spy Kids 3D movie. I don’t know how many music videos have been shot here,” said Hanneman.
His cathedral even caused some controversy. A few years ago a neighbor complained to the city. Hanneman had to get a building permit and make some changes.
“That particular neighbor ended up moving out of state the very day I got my building permit. So there’s always a hater, right?” he said.
Hanneman says his Cathedral of Junk is here to stay.
“I find it highly relaxing. I’m out here playing. I like that state of mind.”
