Rothko Chapel closes due to damage caused by Hurricane Beryl


In Houston, the Mark Rothko-designed Rothko Chapel is closing indefinitely due to damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. Already identified company to undertake restoration.

Indefinite closure for Rothko Chapel, the nondenominational chapel located in Houston, Texas, that was designed by Mark Rothko in the late 1960s-it was later completed in 1971, by which time the artist had passed away. In fact, the chapel was seriously damaged during the passage of HurricaneBeryl, which hit Texas in early July.

According to the entity that manages the chapel, the exceptional rain combined with gale force winds during the hurricane caused damage to the roof, which caused water seepage. In addition, part of the ceiling and several walls suffered water damage, and three Mark Rothko panels were also damaged to varying degrees.



Now, the Chapel has engaged Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation, one of the country’s leading art conservation firms, to lead the conservation analysis and assessment, with the total cost of repairs and the extent of damage still being determined. “We are deeply saddened by the hurricane’s impact on the Chapel and Houston,” said Executive Director David Leslie. “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 necessary repairs and restoration can be carried out effectively and fully as required. We are now focused on restoring the building and panels and continuing our mission of contemplation and action at the intersection of art, spirituality and human rights.”

The Chapel is also considering moving its fall programming season to another venue, and will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Rothko Chapel closes due to damage caused by Hurricane Beryl
Rothko Chapel closes due to damage caused by Hurricane Beryl


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