Washington, D.C., District of Columbia story
A Galactic Grotesque
If you look up at the Northwest Tower of the Washington National Cathedral, you'll find a carving that doesn't exactly fit the traditional gothic vibe. It's Darth Vader. This unus…
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If you look up at the Northwest Tower of the Washington National Cathedral, you'll find a carving that doesn't exactly fit the traditional gothic vibe. It's Darth Vader. This unusual pop-culture figure wasn't the work of a medieval mason, but the result of a 1980s design competition.
A thirteen-year-old from Nebraska named Chris Rader submitted the concept, which won third prize. While it looks like a gargoyle, it's technically a grotesque because it doesn't actually drain water. Installed in 1986, this stone Sith Lord serves as a playful reminder that even the most sacred traditions can make room for a little bit of the Force.
Updated June 2026