The Rothko Chapel (1964-71)

The Rothko Chapel (1964-71)

"The Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational chapel in Houston, Texas. The interior serves not only as a chapel, but also as a major work of modern art.

On its walls are fourteen black but color-hued paintings by Mark Rothko. 

‘The Rothko Chapel…became the world’s first broadly ecumenical center, a holy place open to all religions and belonging to none. It became a center for international cultural, religious, and philosophical exchanges, for colloquia and performances. And it became a place of private prayer for individuals of all faiths.’

In 1964 Rothko was commissioned to create a meditative space filled with his paintings. The works are site-specific, one of the requirements of the program.

As Rothko was given creative license on the design of the structure, he clashed with the project’s original architect over the plans for the chapel. The plans went through several revisions and architects.

Ultimately he did not live to see the chapel’s completion in 1971.

After a long struggle with depression, Rothko committed suicide in his New York studio on February 25, 1970."