a whole new space
Get a sneak peek at the Rothko Chapel's $30 million renovation
The famed Rothko Chapel in Montrose will reopen to the public in June 2020. ABC13 got a sneak peek of the ongoing restoration efforts.
David Leslie, the chapel's executive director, says the work is part of the Opening Spaces capital project.The plan calls for more green space, outreach space, and the chapel's restoration.
"I think for people who have never come before, it's one of those jewels in the city that has a pretty small footprint, but a very big reach," says Leslie. "I would say if you want to get to know Houston, and you want to get to know the diverse dimensions of Houston, the Rothko Chapel just has to be on your list."
Allston Marble of Linbeck Construction says it has been a special and unique process breathing life into the building.
"It's gone well so far," says Marble. "It means a lot to the city. It's important for us to do a good job on it and make sure it goes back to the original vision. It's been a fantastic project. We have football and the rodeo, but we also have a really rich arts culture. I love being able to work on it."
Founded by John and Dominique de Menil and designed by architects Philip Johnson, Howard Barnstone, and Eugene Aubry, in close collaboration with renowned artist Mark Rothko, the chapel was gifted to Houstonians as a place for contemplation and reflection. The chapel holds 14 masterpiece paintings by Rothko on its eight walls and has become a center of peace for Houston and the world.
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For more on this story, including video of the restoration, visit our content partner, ABC13.
