The Rothko Chapel

About

The Rothko Chapel is an independent institution, a sacred place open to all people. The Chapel is currently closed for restoration.

Story

The Rothko Chapel, founded by Houston philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief. A tranquil meditative environment inspired by the mural canvases of Russian born American painter Mark Rothko (1903-1970), the Chapel welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year, people of every faith and from all parts of the world. On the plaza, Barnett Newman's majestic sculpture, Broken Obelisk, stands in memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Chapel has two vocations: contemplation and action. It is a place alive with religious ceremonies of all faiths, and where the experience and understanding of all traditions are encouraged and made available. Action takes the form of supporting human rights, and thus the Chapel has become a rallying place for all people concerned with peace, freedom, and social justice throughout the world.

Before scheduling your visit, be sure to check our website event calendar for program offerings and chapel closures (http://rothkochapel.org/experience/events/).

Mission

The mission of the Rothko Chapel is to inspire people to action through art and contemplation, to nurture reverence for the highest aspirations of humanity, and to provide a forum for global concerns.