Rothko Chapel in Houston Temporarily Closed Due to Hurricane Damage
The Rothko Chapel in Houston, known for its somber Abstract Expressionist paintings by Mark Rothko, has closed indefinitely due to damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. The closure will allow for necessary repairs and restorations to be made following the damage to three of Rothko’s paintings, as well as parts of the chapel’s ceiling and walls. The cost of repairs and timeline for reopening are currently unknown.
The chapel’s executive director, David Leslie, emphasized the importance of restoring the building and panels while continuing the mission of art, spirituality, and human rights. The chapel had recently undergone a $30 million campus overhaul, including the restoration of the skylight and upgrades to the walls and climate control system. The Suzanne Deal Booth Welcome House will remain open during the closure.
Hurricane Beryl, the most powerful hurricane to develop so early in recorded history, caused significant damage and loss of life in Texas. With the increasing frequency of dangerous storms in coastal regions like Houston, art institutions must take measures to secure their collections and be prepared to operate without reliable power in the aftermath of such disasters.
Source
Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.