Canterbury Cathedral art exhibition sparks criticism from JD Vance, Elon Musk
A famous church’s call to splash graffiti-style questions about God across its ancient walls has sparked outrage from political leaders.
A controversial art exhibition at the world’s most famous cathedrals has drawn the ire of US Vice President JD Vance, who labelled it “really ugly”.
Canterbury Cathedral recently unveiled the Hear Us installation, which features phrases splashed on its walls and columns in the style of street graffiti.
Very Reverend David Monteith, the Dean of Canterbury, said the exhibition “builds bridges between cultures, styles and genres” but officials have noted it was likely to divide opinion.
And it had copped plenty of criticism, including from Mr Vance – a devout Catholic – who weighed in on the exhibition installed at the famous Anglican church.
His X post quoted a tweet from Australian conservative influencer Drew Pavlou, who shared images of the cathedral.
“It is weird to me that these people don’t see the irony of honoring ‘marginalized communities’ by making a beautiful historical building really ugly,” Mr Vance wrote from across the pond.
It is weird to me that these people don't see the irony of honoring "marginalized communities" by making a beautiful historical building really ugly. https://t.co/j7GEtCFsMY
— JD Vance (@JDVance) October 10, 2025
Mr Musk replied to another post on X showing the graffiti with a single word: “shameful”.
Canterbury Cathedral forms part of a World Heritage site and one of the oldest Christian structures in England, founded in 597.
It is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the 85-million strong worldwide Anglican movement.
Dame Sarah Mullally was recently announced as the first woman to hold the title.
Hear Us was inspired by community workshops in which people were asked “What would you ask God?”, and includes questions such as “Are you there?”, “Where does love come from?”, “God, what happens when we die?” and “Why did you create hate when love is by far more powerful?”
It formally opens on October 17 and will remain until January 18.
“There is a rawness which is magnified by the graffiti style which is disruptive,” Very Rev Monteith said, The Times reports.
“This exhibition intentionally builds bridges between cultures, styles and genres and in particular allows us to receive the gifts of younger people who have much to say and from whom we need to hear much.”
It is not the first time in recent years Canterbury Catherdral has courted controversy.
In February 2024 protesters rallied against a 90s-themed silent disco held at the site, saying they did not want a “rave to Eminem in God’s house”.
A year before, Reverend Wendy Dalrymple was subjected to online abuse after being announced as the precentor, heading up worship and events.
She was targeted due to her prominent tattoos, with leadership accused of going “woke”, messages the a cathedral spokesperson called “unacceptable”.
Rev Dalrymple has since moved on to a new role as canon pastor of Ripon Cathedral, in the Diocese of Leeds.
