The Rothko Chapel
1409 Sul Ross St
Houston, TX 77006 (713) 524-9839
- Good for Kids: No
17 Reviews for The Rothko Chapel
Rothko chapel is very near the Menil collection, and is a must-stop when in the area. The surrounding bamboo hedge already prepares one for a meditative state, as well as the "pyramid/hourglass" iron sculpture pool. Inside, the room or chapel is dimly lit, and octagonal in shape. It is intended for all religions/denominations. There is undeniably peace inside to be found, that forces the visitor to stop and reflect at least for a little while. A nice oasis in a bustling city. However FYI they close at 6 pm.
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This may not be the Rothko you know and love. In these works, there is little resemblance to the vibrant color paintings you've seen in your local MOCA (admittedly, the Rothkos I love). The paintings inside the chapel are literally and figuratively dark. The chapel's space -- a octagonal concrete void with fixed benches -- intends to be serene and meditative. It is, to an extent. But the contemplative quality is undermined by intermittent foot traffic and the chapel's private police. Yes, the requisite silence is enforced by two security guards stationed inside -- no doubt to protect the paintings from vandalism but still, even if unintentionally, serving as prying, invasive eyes. It's hard to be introspective with eyes on me.
To the Rothko Foundation: Can you imagine how dynamic and inspiring the space would be if Rothko color panels were substituted, even if only temporary?
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Maybe I am lame, but I just don't feel what I'm "supposed" to feel when I visit the Rothko Chapel. I understand the concept of the chapel being a serene space, and it's definitely the place to be if you want to stare blankly into a black canvas.
It's a space that is very multi-purpose, which I do appreciate, and the programs they offer there seems to be first-rate. Also, there are copies of many different religious texts are available for use while you're there.
Spirituality is different to different people, and maybe this venue just isn't the right one for me. It doesn't move me. I'll tell you what does, though - the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum right around the corner, also part of the Menil Collection.
Regardless of your viewpoint, it's worth a look and a quiet moment inside to see if you connect with the space.
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This was one of the last things I did before moving from TX to OH. I'm really glad I did it. That last day in Houston also consisted of a brewery tour of St Arnold's and lunch at Niko Niko's -- all fine choices, but the chapel was the day's highlight.
I spent probably an hour total inside, admiring the art at first and then allowing myself to slip into a balanced subtle groove later. I could see coming here very often if one lived near by, coming here pretty often if one was really into meditation, and only rarely when one's friends and family came into town for a visit.
I would LOVE to have this place be my office, with a wrap-around desk in the middle of all the benches, but that sorta defeats the purpose. As it is, I'm pretty sure you'd be thrown out for bringing your laptop in and catching up on emails.
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Visited the chapel during the middle of the day and we had the fortune of being the only people there. There is a nice calm atmosphere that makes this a great place to stop or reflect. While I am not nearly the fan of Rothko that my wife is, I felt that this was the most appropriate way to experience his work. I was overwhelmed by the size of the work and these large colors invite you to become lost inside them.
What I really liked was the natural lighting from above that brightened and dimmed as the sun moved between clouds. Peaceful and pleasant.
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This evening I went to a wonderful event sponsored by the Rothko Chapel. It was a wonderful event and the place was very serene and peaceful. In addition the people there were great. The executive director of the Rothko Chapel did a great job introducing the speaker and actually mentioned she wanted to see more young people at their events.
I promised her I would tell the Yelp community to get more involved in these local intellectual events.
http://www.rothkochape...
hope you all will support the events and participate and spread the word about this great treasure in Houston.
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I might be an anomaly but I don't find the Rothko chapel serene or really even peaceful. The windowless, brick building houses Rotko's darkest work -- the last paintings he created before he committed suicide. Rothko worked the last six years of his life designing the chapel but did not live to see it completed and from what I've been told his original vision is not what you see today. Fasinating, definitely, but not blissful.
De Menil commissioned Mark Rothko (Marcus Rothkowitz...he changed his name after immigrating to America) to create the chapel and artwork at a time when he apparently wasn't getting a long with the wealthy art collectors that were otherwise commissioning him (and paying his bills). Initially he worked with architect Philip Johnson but they couldn't agree on Rothko's vision so Johnson was replaced. It's my understanding that through Johnson's plans the building was to have a pyramidal roof. Johnson did end up coming on as a consult and he designed the reflecting pool but, when I look at the building I can't help but think that it looks unfinished.
Rothko designed the building and created the paintings and triptychs with a religious, Roman Catholic, influence because it was his intention that it would eventually function as a Catholic chapel -- not as it's current use as a nondenominational institution. It's my understanding that the enormous canvases were lowered into the building from the roof and their positioning was changed several times due to the design of the roof and a problem of too much natural light. The museum ended up muting the light with scrim in the 70's creating an atmosphere significantly different than Rothko had intended.
When I take visitors who know Rothko's work to the Chapel I warn them not to expect his brightly colored works. It's art that requires a warning because it's arresting and humbling. Rothko might not have achieved all that he wanted but he did create a reverent place that lends itself to mediation. It's a place that can be visited and revered but I don't think it can be completely understood.
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Okay, I like that area of town. Very accessible, inviting. The chapel is unique, but I get this serious twinge of "the emperor's clothes" regarding the art... Add it as a side trip while visiting the Menil.
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The stark octagonal shape of the chapel is a perfect setting for Mark Rothko's 14 massive canvases heaped with dark layered colors. The lighting is a combination of natural light from the central cupola and supplemental floods.
The Menils gave Rothko considerable control over the whole project including the architecture. Rothko, however, never came to Houston. He painted the canvases in his New York studio and never saw the glaring Texas sunlight that was quite different from what he knew in New York. A few years after the chapel opened, it became evident that the sunlight was damaging the canvases and a metal baffle was installed. This creates more shadow lines that interfere with the artist's more simple original intent.
Rothko's canvases evoke strong feelings from most people. Whenever I stand in this space I am struck by a sad melancholy above all else. Rothko's life was tumultuous and ended tragically in suicide in 1970, one year before the chapel opened. Some sense of this must have been transferred into his last major works. He was physically infirm and much of the paint was actually applied by assistants working under his direction.
The Menils commissioned noted American composer, Morton Feldman, to write a piece for this space. It was performed here a year after the chapel opened. It is scored for wordless chorus, viola, celesta and percussion. The composer confronts the listener with dissonant layers of sound that are a perfect complement to Rothko's work. I'm listening to my copy of the CD as I write this review to try to fully capture the essence of that space in my mind.
"The fact that people break down and cry when confronted with my pictures shows that I can communicate those basic human emotions.. the people who weep before my pictures are having the same religious experience I had when painting them. And if you say you are moved only by their color relationships then you miss the point."
-- Mark Rothko
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November, 2007, Update
What my initial review failed to mention was the magnificent sculpture immediately adjacent to the chapel. Entitled Broken Obelisk, it was created by Barnett Newman in the 60's. I see it as an allegory of the human condition: perched precariously and ready to topple at any moment and broken from past traumas, it still reaches boldly heavenward. It is truly inspirational. While viewing the sculpture, you can't help but notice that the shallow reflecting pond in which it sits is essential to the whole composition. What you see in the water is just an extension of the sculpture itself and brings out contrasts in color between the base and upper obelisk that aren't as apparent otherwise.
This monolithic structure always buoys my spirit after being steeped in the sadness that I find within the chapel.
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Serenity. Bliss. Peace.
Not common in Houston, no? Enter the Rothko chapel and find them all. I've been known to sit zazen here (last time, a woman whispered to her husband, "That girl is *meditating*,", read, or just stare awestruck at the paintings that decorate the cool, quiet room. There are benches for those who prefer them over cushions, and books from all faiths and philosophies to borrow while you sit.
You can get also married at the Rothko, attend a lecture, or hear some chamber music from time to time. I've been many places around the world, but this little "chapel" is still near the top of my list.
Also check out the reflecting pool/obelisk right outside! Another nice place to contemplate, as long as the mosquitoes don't carry you away.
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Rothko Chapel is surreal. It doesn't matter what, if any, religion you connect to, you will enjoy this venue. The paintings of Mark Rothko were created specifically for this building. You can read whatever you want into the meaning of his works.
Personally, I feel that the black/purple hues represent all colors. It is an abstract representation of "we are all one", regardless of what we believe. The silence here is visceral. Do not miss it.
If you visit Rothko Chapel, do not miss the Menil Collection next door. Dominique Menil and her husband have put Houston on the map in the art world. They are responsible for Rothko Chapel and other nearby galleries.
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I found the Rothko Chapel to be just pretentious. I read and reread my handout before finally realizing the huge charcoal gray panels on the walls were the "paintings".
As far as spirituality, I thought this unattractive space might have been a big hit with the Druids. I am an atheist but I am completely comfortable in Christian churches (for weddings and funerals). I was not comfortable in this phony chapel.
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Did you know you can rent the Rothko chapel for weddings & memorial services?
It's a stunning venue, with a few simple rules designed to keep the space as serene and as available as possible. Probably not the place for bridezillas, Nazi wedding photographers, or big flashy New Orleans style sendoffs. But if you want your event to be elegant, serene and affordable, this is a beautiful venue.
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Nice quiet serene place to relax, see the architecture, and meditate if that's your thing. My family went through here before touring the Museum District. It was beautiful and peaceful.
Located in a beautiful area of Houston, this museum is all about contemplation and meditation. The chapel is quite small but the space inside feels very large with the tall ceilings. As a lover of art I can really appreciate these huge dark canvases. The subtle shades and differences of color make these paintings a vehicle for spirituality of all kinds. This is really a great place to visit, what's really nice is that its free an open to the public year round
*Notable People Seen and Heard at Rothko Chapel
The Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Jonas Salk, Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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this is another place you must visit if youre in houston. very quiet place, perfect for meditation.
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I miss walking here with My ex and meditating at Rothko.
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