The Rothko Chapel in Houston, renowned for its fourteen site-specific black murals by the American abstract artist Mark Rothko, has been temporarily closed due to damage from Hurricane Beryl. The hurricane, which struck Texas on July 8 as a category 1 storm, caused significant water damage to parts of the chapel's ceiling, several walls, and three of the murals. Restoration efforts are being managed by Houston-based Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation, though chapel officials have not yet provided details on the estimated costs or timeline for repairs.
Executive Director David Leslie expressed the organization’s sorrow over the hurricane's impact, stating, “The Chapel’s continued stewardship of this beloved cultural and sacred site, renowned for its Mark Rothko panels, remains our highest priority. The closure will ensure that the necessary repairs and restorations can be made as effectively and completely as required. 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.”
Commissioned in 1964 by collectors John and Dominique de Menil, the chapel was designed with creative input from Rothko. Following conflicts with the original architect Philip Johnson, Rothko collaborated with his successors, Howard Barnstone and Eugene Aubry, before his tragic death in 1970. The chapel opened its doors in 1971 and has seen renovations in 2000 and from 2019 to 2021, including the restoration of the murals and the addition of a new visitor center. Currently, the chapel is undergoing a significant campus development project expected to be completed by 2026.
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