Washington, D.C., District of Columbia story
A Grotesque Surprise
If you look up at the Northwest Tower of the Washington National Cathedral, you'll see something that doesn't quite fit the traditional gothic aesthetic: Darth Vader. This isn't a…
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If you look up at the Northwest Tower of the Washington National Cathedral, you'll see something that doesn't quite fit the traditional gothic aesthetic: Darth Vader. This isn't a mistake, but the result of a 1984 children's design competition. A thirteen-year-old from Nebraska named Chris Rader submitted the concept, and the cathedral actually went through with it.
Sculpted by Jay Hall Carpenter and carved by Patrick Plunkett, the figure was installed in 1986. Technically, it's a grotesque rather than a gargoyle because it doesn't have a drainage conduit, but it's become a beloved pop-culture easter egg. It's a playful reminder that even the most solemn spaces can have a sense of humor.
Updated June 2026