Houston's Rothko Chapel announces reopening date after it was damaged in Hurricane Beryl

HOUSTON — After being forced to close due to damage from Hurricane Beryl, Houston’s Rothko Chapel has an official reopening date.

From December 17 through December 22 and from December 24 through January 5, the chapel will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are a couple exceptions – on December 25 and January 1, the chapel’s hours will be limited to 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Hurricane Beryl brought exceptionally heavy rain and gale-force winds that resulted in leakage through the Chapel’s roof. Part of the ceiling and several walls sustained water damage, and four of Mark Rothko’s panels were also affected to varying degrees,” the Rothko Chapel said in a Facebook post announcing the reopening.

They said an art conservation firm, Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation, led the analysis and assessment process. The damaged panels are being restored off-site and the chapel said they’ll be returned once they’re repaired.

“The water-streaked walls and ceiling have also been repaired and repainted,” the chapel said.

Rothko Chapel Executive Director David Leslie said restoration and repair work has been their top priority.

“Getting to this point has been a true community effort involving an amazing team of art conservators, scientists, art handlers, volunteers, community partners, and Chapel staff, and we are very excited to reopen in time for the holidays,” Leslie said.

Now that the chapel is reopening, it intends to host its annual MLK Observance on January 15, titled, ‘Sick of War: Discussing Health Impacts of US Militarism.”

Here’s how the Rothko Chapel describes itself:

The Rothko Chapel is a contemplative space that successfully interconnects art, spirituality, and compassionate action through a broad array of public programs and community initiatives. It is open to the public every day of the year at no charge. Founded by Houston philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil, the Chapel was dedicated in 1971 as an interfaith, nonsectarian sanctuary, and invites visitors from around the world to experience the power and sanctity of Mark Rothko’s monumental paintings. The Rothko Chapel is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to create opportunities for spiritual growth and dialogue that illuminate our shared humanity and inspire action leading to a world in which all are treated with dignity and respect.