With all the chaos and uncertainty in the world right now, it’s nice to see some excitement a breath of fresh air in our very own city of Houston. For the last year The Rothko Chapel has been undergoing a restoration led by Architecture Research Office, and it’s officially complete and reopened!
For a little history lesson, Mark Rothko was commissioned by John and Dominique de Menil in 1964 to create a meditative space filled with his paintings. While the plans went through various revisions, as well as architects, it finally was completed in 1971. From 1973 on The Rothko Chapel “doubled as a center for colloquiums aimed at fostering mutual understanding on issues affecting justice and freedom throughout the world.” It is a non-denominational chapel in Houston and a beautiful work of modern art.
Fast forward, and the chapel was closed for a year long $30 million restoration, and we’re so excited it has officially reopened as of late last month. One of the nicest parts of the restoration is the new skylight that has been installed, which brightens up the space in a big way. A Welcome Center has been added tucked behind the space, the green space has been updated and landscape design made even more peaceful, and the overall expansion of the campus is truly beautiful.
We highly encourage you to check out this newly restored sacred space here in our very own city of Houston. Reserve a ticket today.
Editor’s Note: Hi, Roz here and I just wanted to comment on this story of a place very special to me, The Rothko Chapel. It will always be remembered by me as the venue of choice for so much AIDS sadness that I experienced as the Vice President of Visual at Foley’s in the late 80’s. It reopened recently during another pandemic in our time, after its year-long renovation. I was reminded as I take my neighborhood evening walks by the Rothko and Menil and am also seeing the soon-to-open MFAH’s Kinder Building near completion and am reminded of the amazing Artful City that is Houston ……so many special places. Such a great way in this tumultuous time we are living in to seek out peace and serenity by visiting many of them for the inspirational moments in time we all can use. Please support our local museums and drop in and enjoy! (click on the museum name for direction to their website and more details)
Some information was pulled from Wikipedia, Architectural Digest, and Design Bloom
Photos borrowed from Architectural Digest
Agree lovely spots that we need at time unsettling time.
Thanks for your comments…..it is so lovely there and truly a great place to feel peace and solitude. I hope you will make it by there!! xo