Washington, D.C., District of Columbia story
A Galactic Grotesque
High up on the Northwest Tower of the Washington National Cathedral, you'll find a sculpture that doesn't quite fit the traditional religious vibe. It's Darth Vader. This pop-cult…
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High up on the Northwest Tower of the Washington National Cathedral, you'll find a sculpture that doesn't quite fit the traditional religious vibe. It's Darth Vader. This pop-culture carving was born from a children's design competition in the mid-eighties.
A thirteen-year-old from Nebraska named Chris Rader submitted the concept, which won third prize. Sculpted by Jay Hall Carpenter and carved by Patrick Plunkett, the figure was installed in 1986. Now, a quick tip for the art buffs: it's technically a grotesque, not a gargoyle, because it doesn't have a drainage conduit.
It's a playful reminder that even the most formal architecture can have a sense of humor.
Updated June 2026