The Rothko Chapel in Houston has announced that it will remain closed to the public for an indefinite period of time due to damage sustained from Hurricane Beryl last month.
Rothko Chapel interior, photo credit-BRYAN SCHUTMAAT for WSJ. Magazine.
In a press release, David Leslie, Executive Director of the Rothko Chapel, stated, “We are deeply saddened by the impact of the hurricane on the Chapel and across Houston. 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 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.”
According to the organization, heavy rain and strong winds resulted in leakage through the Chapel’s roof. The leak then caused water damage to parts of the ceiling and several walls. Three panels by Rothko also sustained varying degrees of damage. The Chapel is working with Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation to analyze and assess the artworks. The cost of repairs and extent of the damage is still being determined.
While the Chapel is closed, it will also be assessing its fall programs. Some programming may take place at alternate venues throughout the city. Additional information will be shared in the near future. Meanwhile, the Suzanne Deal Booth Welcome House will continue to be open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the Rothko Chapel’s website for updates and additional information.
1 comment
How devastating that having just recently completed yet another restoration of this Houston treasure, weather got the better of it. Even with the consideration of aesthetics, the one job of the Rothko Foundation should be to specifically keep the art safe – even from natural disasters (hurricanes in Houston are predictable, y’all).