The Rothko Chapel

By Jonathan Shih 

The Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas, is an extraordinary fusion of art, architecture, and spirituality, designed by Philip Johnson, Howard Barnstone, and Eugene Aubry after being commissioned in 1964 by John and Dominique de Menil. Envisioned by Mark Rothko, the octagonal, non-denominational space houses 14 monumental paintings—seven black and seven plum-colored canvases—surrounding visitors in a deeply contemplative environment. Disagreements with Philip Johnson over the building’s scale led to several architectural revisions before the final structure was completed in 1971, a year after Rothko’s death.

The Chapel’s minimalist brick facade, baffled skylight, and recessed floor create a subdued architectural setting that enhances the paintings’ meditative power. The exterior features a reflecting pool and Barnett Newman’s Broken Obelisk, further emphasizing themes of reflection and transcendence. Rothko’s exploration of mortality and spirituality is embedded in the space, making it not only a memorial to his artistic vision but also a reminder of his personal struggles. The Chapel, positioned near the Renzo Piano-designed Menil Collection, remains a transformative cultural site where art, architecture, and contemplation converge.