Rothko Chapel

The Rothko Chapel was the last and one of the most important endeavors that Dominique and John de Menil worked on together. This modern work of religious art commissioned for Houston is comparable in importance to the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence by Henri Matisse or the Chapel in Ronchamp by Le Corbusier in France.
Mark Rothko, one of the most influential American artists of the mid-century was commissioned by the de Menils and given the opportunity to shape and control a total environment to encompass a group of fourteen paintings he especially created for this meditative space. He worked closely with the original architect Philip Johnson on the plans, then with Howard Barnstone and Eugene Aubry who completed the building.

The Rothko Chapel and Barnett Newman’s sculpture The Broken Obelisk facing the Chapel and dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., have achieved world recognition as examples of the greatest artistic achievements of the second half of the twentieth century.

As an institution, The Rothko Chapel functions as chapel, a museum and a forum. It is a place where religion, art and architecture intermingle. The Rothko Chapel is free, open to the public, and accessible to the physically challenged every day of the year. It has become a pilgrimage stop for thousands of visitors who are drawn by its importance both as an artistic masterpiece and as an ecumenical gathering place for people of all religious beliefs. Students, art lovers, and scholars from all over the world visit the Chapel for research and inspiration. Modern art books and catalogues worldwide feature the Chapel.

For the last 32 years, the Chapel has provided diverse programs to engage audiences intellectually, artistically, and spiritually. This institution has distinguished itself by addressing issues and concerns before they were generally recognized and popularized. The Chapel has stressed the importance of human rights by issuing awards to exceptional individuals or groups of people not generally well known, who have distinguished themselves by their courage and integrity. Events at The Rothko Chapel have brought leaders, heroes, artists, musicians, scientists, and scholars from all over the world such as Jonas Salk, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Steve Reich, and Huston Smith to share their knowledge, experience, talents, and stories with the Houston community.

The Rothko Chapel is a sanctuary for all and respectful of the integrity of each religion or denomination. It serves the community by providing a temporary place for major religious holy days and celebrations for communities who have not yet established a place of their own. Those who are not affiliated with any particular religious institution, find the Chapel appropriate for memorial services for their loved ones or for wedding ceremonies. The Chapel is the preferred setting for interfaith vigils and services. It has become a spiritual landmark, central in the lives of many members of this large urban community.