The Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational chapel in Houston. It is open to representatives of all faiths. The landmark has been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 2000.
History of creation
The Rothko Chapel, built on the initiative of the philanthropic spouses John and Dominique de Menil, opened in 1971. French-American art collectors, working on the concept of the project, studied the ecumenical trend of Christianity. We are talking about a movement that eliminates the disunity between Christian churches on an international scale. The couple, who moved to the United States from France in 1941, decided to create a sanctuary hall where everyone could pray or meditate.
The chapel is named after the artist Marco Rothko, who was one of the most respected artists in the country. The de Menil family gave him complete freedom in interior design. Rothko quarreled with the architect, he said that his paintings have an energy that can only be felt in a certain place. It took the celebrity 3 years to prepare 14 canvases.
Short description
The Rothko chapel is made in the form of a Greek cross made of alternating blocks of gray and pink tuff. Rothko's canvases occupy almost the entire space of the main hall, 7 of them depict black rectangles, visitors called the paintings "black holes". The other 7 works are painted in a purple key, reminiscent of the night sky. The artist did not live to see the opening of the building, but during his lifetime he gave instructions that when planning the building there should be a source of natural lighting above the hall with canvases. So, a glass dome appeared in the ceiling of the building.
Since 1973, the Rothko Chapel has been associated with the Center for Justice and Freedom colloquiums. In the early 1980s, she was awarded the "Award for Commitment to Truth and Freedom." After 21 years, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places of America. In July 2024, due to Hurricane Beryl, the building was closed, and after carrying out all necessary work, it reopened in the winter of 2024.
How to get
The nearest station is Museum District, which is a 15-20–minute walk from the chapel. Alternatively, you can consider taking a taxi, private or rented car. The Marco Rothko Chapel is usually open from 10.00 to 18.00 every day. Entrance to the Rothko Chapel is free for everyone, but please note that photography and video are prohibited.
People come here to pray, meditate, and look at Rothko's work. There is a square with a reflecting pond in front of the entrance. There is a legend that anyone can see their true appearance here. Ascetic benches are installed inside the hall. The Rothko Chapel regularly hosts events, the announcements of which are published on the chapel's official website.
Gallery
