Opening Spaces is a vital capital project focused on enriching the Rothko Chapel experience by preserving the Chapel as a unique sacred art site and spiritual place, and featuring a new north campus and expanded green spaces. 

In June 2017 the master site plan was approved by the Board of Directors. Over the next twelve months the Chapel collaborated with design partners to develop an innovative and holistic architectural, landscaping and lighting intervention that pays tribute to the Chapel's original design while addressing critical infrastructure needs.

The design approach and materials for the Opening Spaces project were informed by a year-long feasibility study guided by the goals of the project and the founders' original intent. This process involved extensive historical research; interviews and consultations with a wide range of primary sources; analysis of existing building conditions; investigations into the building's construction and previous interventions; community conversations and feedback; and the preparation of numerous rehabilitation and planning options. Central to the project are sustainability plans and efforts to ensure the landmark's future for generations to come. 

The resulting master plan re-envisions the Chapel's campus and facilities through the following elements:

•      Restore the Chapel to the original intent of the founders and artist by improving the lighting and experience inside the Chapel.

•      Address the increasing interest in and visitation to the Chapel by providing a more educational and interactive experience and making the campus more accessible to visitors.

•      Further our community engagement and programming at the intersection of art, spirituality and human rights by adding a new programming center, library and archives and conference room.

Phase I of the project, which included the restoration and lighting transformation of the Rothko Chapel sanctuary, the construction of the new Suzanne Deal Booth Welcome House, comprehensive drainage and infrastructure enhancements and new plantings under the direction of Landscape Architects at Nelson Byrd Woltz including the Charleen Mullenweg Birch Grove were completed in 2021.

We are now in the process of  Phase 2 of the project, which includes:

·       The construction of two new buildings on the North Campus; The Program Center and Administration and Archives Building

·       The Kathleen and Chuck Mullenweg Meditation Garden

·       Rehabilitation of a bungalow on the site to provide dedicated housing for Chapel speakers, research fellows and other visitors

 

Phase 2 (Groundbreaking - April 2024)

Program Center

Seen here in the center, this major new facility will accommodate an enriched range of public programs, receptions, special events, private and community services, and presentations including symposia and workshops. The center will serve the Chapel's growing audiences, allow for more programming flexibility and scope, and provide space for new partnerships and expanded community outreach. 

Administration and Archives building

Seen here on the right, this new facility will include new offices, conference and meeting rooms, library and archives space, to support Chapel operations and research. 

Guest House

A renovated bungalow will host Chapel speakers and special guests, as well as scholars-in-residence. 

The Kathleen and Chuck Mullenweg Meditation Garden

Visitors will find this newly created space next to Menil Park a peaceful refuge for meditation, prayer or quiet reflection.

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Phase 1 efforts (Completed in 2021)

Chapel restoration

The skylight, lighting design and entryway of the Chapel has been transformed allowing for a more profound and better illuminated interaction with both art and space. Generously underwritten by Lynn Wyatt, the lighting transformation of the Chapel sanctuary with the new engineered skylight and supplemental lighting array was designed by George Sexton Associates. Through support by Matt Mullenweg, the Chapel's entry vestibule has been returned to an open configuration providing a seamless transition between the entrance and sanctuary. Critical preservation initiatives and upgrades undertaken as part of the restoration ensure that Mark Rothko's extraordinary paintings and their environment are preserved and experienced as they were intended by Mark Rothko and John and Dominique de Menil. The restored Rothko Chapel building will enhance the visitor's engagement with the artwork and the sense of sanctuary that facilitates community connection and dialogue.

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Suzanne Deal Booth Welcome House 

Envisioned as the gateway to the expanded campus, the new Suzanne Deal Booth Welcome House embodies a core value of the Chapel's founding vision—hospitality—for those seeking further engagement with the Chapel's mission, history, and programming. Relocation of visitor services from the Chapel vestibule to this new facility reinforces the spiritual and meditative aspects of the Chapel, heightening the visitor experience. The Suzanne Deal Booth Welcome House features didactic and historical displays, an expanded gift shop and bookstore, luggage lockers and restroom facilities and serves as a gathering point for groups and guided tours. 

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Additional Phase 1 efforts

landscaping and grounds

Recognizing that the grounds are an extension of the Chapel experience, the reconfigured campus features improved access and unobstructed views of the Chapel and Barnett Newman's Broken Obelisk, emphasizing the unity of the buildings and grounds. Open landscapes and new green spaces for reflection, including the construction of the Charleen Mullenweg Birch Grove, a series of birch rooms built to foster a sense of sanctuary and enhance the connection to the surrounding neighborhood.

energy facility, preservation and infrastructure

First on the list of infrastructure enhancements was relocating the Chapel's mechanical and control systems from below-ground to a second-story energy facility with a backup chiller and generator to ensure environmental stability for the Chapel through weather emergencies. Additional landscape and drainage improvements also work to safeguard the campus against extreme weather events.

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donate

The Opening Spaces Campaign is made possible through the generous support of Rothko Chapel friends like you. Help us to illuminate the next 50 years and contribute to the Opening Spaces Campaign today.

 

 

$5,000,000+

The Rothko Family

 

$2,000,000 – $4,999,999

The Brown Foundation, Inc.

Houston Endowment, Inc.

Matt Mullenweg

Lynn Wyatt

 

$1,000,000 – $1,999,999

Anonymous

Suzanne Deal Booth

The Cullen Foundation

LVMH

Stavros Niarchos Foundation

 

$500,000 – $999,999

The Fondren Foundation

The Glimcher Family

Michael R. Piana

Texas Commission on the Arts

 

$100,000 – $499,999

The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts

The John R. Eckel, Jr. Foundation

The Elkins Foundation

The MD Anderson Foundation

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Donna and Marvin Schwartz

Dr. Nancy Crown and Dr. Samuel Weisman

The Wortham Foundation, Inc.

Duncan Genesis Foundation

 

$50,000 – $99,999

Peggy and Richard Danziger

Cece and Mack Fowler

Goldman Sachs Gives / Michael S. Sherwood

The Rosenblatt Charitable Trust

The Vivian L. Smith Foundation

 

$25,000 – $49,999

Chinhui Juhn and Edward R. Allen III

Lynn S. Bliss

Kristina Van Dyke Fort and Jeff Fort

Esther Friedman Family Foundation

Virginia and Lee Lahourcade

Marvy Finger Family Foundation

Linda C. Murray

Judy and Scott Nyquist

Paddle8 Inc.

The Muriel Pollia Foundation

Prometheus Charitable Trust

Radoff Family Foundation

Isabel and Ignacio Torras

Susan Vaughan Foundation

Andrew Wallerstein

 

As of January 2025