The Rothko Chapel announced it is temporarily closing after sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Beryl. The Category 5 storm, which hit Houston on July 8th, caused leaks and water damage to the Chapel’s roof, affecting both the building and three of the iconic Mark Rothko panels within. The extent of the damage is still undetermined, and The Rothko Chapel will be closed until further notice.
“The Chapel’s continued stewardship of this beloved cultural and sacred site, renowned for its Mark Rothko panels, remains our highest priority, and the closure will ensure that the necessary repairs and restorations can be made as effectively and completely as required,” said David Leslie, executive director of the Rothko Chapel. “Our focus now is on the restoration of the building and panels and on continuing our mission of both contemplation and action at the intersection of art, spirituality, and human rights.”
Founded in 1971 by art collectors John and Dominique de Menil, the Rothko Chapel was envisioned as a non-denominational space that would merge art, spirituality, and social justice. It has since become a cultural and spiritual landmark.
Inside the octagonal chapel, visitors typically encounter 14 dark, contemplative paintings made by Rothko between 1964 and 1967. These works were made to evoke introspection, complemented by the minimalist architecture and natural light of the chapel. The Houston site of the Rothko Chapel also features a reflecting pool with Barnett Newman’s Broken Obelisk (1963–69), a sculpture dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr.
The Rothko Chapel team is currently assessing how to handle its fall programming, noting the possibility of hosting events in alternative venues around Houston. In response to the damage, the leadership has engaged Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation, a leading art conservation firm, to assess and repair the damaged artwork and structure.
In April, the Rothko Chapel board broke ground on a $42 million expansion project that would add new buildings, landscaping, and accessibility. The renovations were expected to be completed by 2026. The institution has yet to comment on the status of these renovations.
