Overview
The Rothko Chapel is a unique sacred space in Houston's Museum District where art meets spirituality and social action. This interfaith chapel houses fourteen massive paintings by artist Mark Rothko in an octagonal building designed for quiet reflection and meditation. The chapel serves people of all faiths and backgrounds, creating a place where our community can find peace and connect across differences. The chapel matters because it addresses our need for quiet reflection in a busy city while also hosting important conversations about justice and equality. Through events like the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, the Óscar Romero Awards ceremony, and interfaith dialogues, the chapel brings Houstonians together to work on social issues. The chapel impacts our community by providing free programming that includes art classes for families, meditative moments, lectures, and cultural events. It sits near Rice University and the Texas Medical Center, making it accessible to students, medical professionals, and Museum District visitors. To get involved, check their website for upcoming events like family art classes, meditation sessions, and community celebrations. The chapel welcomes volunteers and offers tours. You can also attend their annual MLK Day observance, which draws thousands of Houstonians together for speeches and gospel music that inspire action for justice.
Why it matters
Who gets included matters. Who gets heard matters. Who benefits from the decisions made in your city matters. Inclusion isn't just a value — it's a measure of how well a community is actually working. When more people are in the room, better decisions get made. For everyone.
“A peaceful interfaith chapel in Houston's Museum District where art, spirituality, and social justice come together through free community programs.”
Who this is for
You've felt left out or overlooked
Find organizations and resources that center people who are often pushed to the margins.
You're an advocate or ally
Deepen your understanding of systemic barriers and the work being done to dismantle them.
You want your community to be more inclusive
Connect with civic efforts that expand who gets to participate and who benefits.
What the data shows
Go deeper
The Rothko Chapel will be closed on May 6th; we apologize for the inconvience.
May 2, 2026
2026 Meditative Moment for Families with Align Mind
April 18, 2026
Art Class for Families with Kandinsky
April 11, 2026
2026 Óscar Romero Awards Ceremony: Health Justice
March 26, 2026
Viet Thanh Nguyen: 10th Annual Farenthold Endowed Lecture at UT-Austin
March 19, 2026
Rothko and Mozart: The Balance of Emotion and Form
February 28, 2026
Celebrate the Rothko Chapel’s 55th Anniversary
January 19, 2026
2026 MLK Day Speeches & Gospels
January 18, 2026
Introduction & Celebration: Rothko Chapel President Abdullah Antepli
January 15, 2026
31st Annual MLK Birthday Observance ”We Got Us: Health & Care Beyond Capitalism”
April 15, 2026
Rothko Chapel had 2026 Óscar Romero Awards Ceremony Health Justice Out Smart Magazine
February 27, 2026
Why the imam leading the Rothko Chapel wants to see Houstonians find comfort in their ‘radical’ differences Houston Chronicle
February 26, 2026
Rothko Chapel’s Broken Obelisk Still Symbolizes MLK’s Dream The Texas Signal
December 19, 2025
A Light the Darkness Cannot Extinguish Texas Observer
December 12, 2025
Une chapelle laïque pour tous·tes, par Lola Lafon Libération
December 11, 2025
QJews marks Transgender Day of Remembrance at Rothko Chapel JHV
December 10, 2025
10 years and $52 million later, here’s when Houston’s Rothko Chapel renovation will be complete Houston Chronicle
December 02, 2025
Inaugural Revolution of Joy Festival at Rothko Chapel Out Smart Magazine
November 20, 2025
Texas A&M’s crackdown on race, gender discussions isn’t just censorship. It’s anti-American. Houston Chronicle
November 18, 2025
Rothko Chapel unveils new peace and reflection garden, advances Opening Spaces campaign Community Impact Newspaper
November 14, 2025
Rothko Chapel dedicates a peaceful new garden for quiet contemplation Culturemap
November 06, 2025
Building a City Then Running It Art Forum
October 01, 2025
Adam Yarinsky reflects on ARO’s work in spaces originally shaped by Donald Judd and Mark Rothko The Architect's Newspaper
August 13, 2025
Prominent Muslim, interfaith leader named new president of Houston’s Rothko Chapel Religion News Service
August 12, 2025
Iconic Houston sanctuary selects new leader to guide future growth Culture Map
August 11, 2025
Rothko Chapel hires leader from Duke University to Expand Its Global Reach Houston Business Journal
August 05, 2025
A Grateful Sendoff: Antepli to Lead Rothko Chapel Duke University
August 05, 2025
Houston spiritual landmark announces new leader amid major renovations Houston Chronicle
June 01, 2025
Rothko Chapel’s executive director reflects on 10 years of serving the Houston community Houston Chronicle
May 12, 2025
Rothko Chapel to restore Beryl-damaged artwork with grant funding Houston Public Radio
March 14, 2025
Revisiting Montrose, Houston’s Evolving Urban Paradise Texas Highways
March 04, 2025
ART EVENT “Rothko Chapel Inspirit 2025 Benefit Art Auction Preview” at C2 Art Advisors Melissa Richardson Banks
January 15, 2025
The Rothko Chapel’s Restoration Has a Long Road Ahead Houstonia
January 09, 2025
President Jimmy Carter: A Champion for Human Rights Rothko Chapel
December 06, 2024
Houston’s Rothko Chapel, battered by Hurricane Beryl, set to reopen Dec. 17 Houston Public Radio
December 06, 2024
Rothko Chapel to reopen on December 17 after Hurricane Beryl shuttered it The Architect's Newspaper
December 04, 2024
The Rothko Chapel announces reopening date after suffering damage from Hurricane Beryl Houston Chronicle
November 25, 2024
Rothko Chapel Executive Director David Leslie to retire Houston Business Journal
November 25, 2024
Rothko Chapel executive director David Leslie retiring after 10 years with the Montrose institution Houston Chronicle
August 29, 2024
An Exploration of Houston’s Most Important Pieces of Art Houstonia
August 29, 2024
Nothing is safe from extreme weather. Not even monumental art. Washington Post
April 24, 2024
Houston’s Long-Awaited Rothko Chapel Expansion Breaks Ground Art News
April 23, 2024
Crews use Ivory soap to move historic bungalow as part of $42M Rothko Chapel ex KHOU 11
April 22, 2024
Rothko Chapel lands $1M donation for expansion, restoration project Houston Business Journal
April 20, 2024
Rothko Chapel Breaks Ground on Expanded Campus Glasstire
April 19, 2024
This Week’s Houston Deal Sheet: Rothko Chapel Breaks Ground On Phase 2 Of $42M Expansion BIZNOW
April 17, 2024
Exclusive: First look at new renderings of Rothko Chapel’s phase 2 campus expansion in Montrose Houston Chronicle
March 05, 2024
Rothko Chapel’s Art Auction Draws Powerhouse Artists Deeply Moved By One of Houston’s Truly Unique Icons Bidding Is Open Now With Coveted Works Available Paper City
March 04, 2024
Rothko Chapel is moving a two-story, Montrose house using 75-foot slider beams and Ivory soap Houston Chronicle
January 23, 2024
This is the most exciting city in America’s Deep South right now The Times (UK)
January 15, 2024
A Moving Way to Celebrate MLK Day at the Rothko Chapel Houston Life
January 14, 2024
Rothko Chapel presents its 2024 MLK Birthday Observance: Public Health Epidemic of Gun Violence The Leader News
January 12, 2024
Where to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Houston, from festivals to parades Houston Chronicle
January 12, 2024
Paintings on paper reveal another side of Rothko WBUR
November 12, 2023
La Rothko Chapel, à Houston, ultime chef-d’œuvre d’un artiste à la spiritualité ardente Le Monde
September 14, 2023
Rothko Chapel/s $35 Million Capital Campaign Receives Boost from Fondren Foundation Houston Business Journal
September 08, 2023
Destination Houston: The Rothko Chapel KHOU 11
August 24, 2023
Here are 5 reasons to make your stay in Houston longer than a stopover Delicious Magazine - Australia
May 03, 2023
Houston’s Loop38 celebrates debut of first major commission with Rothko Chapel concert Houston Chronicle
April 18, 2023
Free Museums in Houston: Exploring the City’s Rich Cultural Scene Without Spending a Dime Redfin Blog
April 02, 2023
The storied past and ever-evolving future of Houston’s Rothko Chapel Houston Chronicle
February 10, 2023
Sacred Spaces in Houston TX Highways
February 01, 2023
Spirituality and Social Justice at the Rothko Chapel The Commons
January 16, 2023
Meditations on Life and Death at the Rothko Chapel Texas Observer
November 18, 2022
The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2023 Travelandleisure.com
September 01, 2022
A Desert Pilgrimage to the Texas Refuge of Artists Mark Rothko and Donald Judd Montecristo Magazine
August 07, 2022
The Best Day Ever In Montrose Houston Chronicle
July 21, 2022
Zimbabwean singer Thomas Mapfumo to play Rothko Chapel Houston Chronicle
June 29, 2022
BTS’s RM Has Sent K-Pop Fans Flooding to Art Museums Thanks to His Instagram Art News
May 12, 2022
A new composition for 50 years of the Rothko Chapel BBC News
April 10, 2022
No Cash Crunch: Enjoy Houston With A Budget Of $0 The Travel
March 07, 2022
Music Fills the Rothko Chapel New Yorker
February 24, 2022
At the Rothko Chapel, Tyshawn Sorey explores sound — and silence NPR
February 21, 2022
Review: At Rothko Chapel, a Composer Is Haunted by a Hero Tyshawn Sorey’s “Monochromatic Light (Afterlife),” for the 50th anniversary of the space, closely echoes Morton Feldman’s “Rothko Chapel New York Times
February 18, 2022
Rothko Chapel to celebrate 50 years of peace and quiet with a landmark commission by Tyshawn Sorey Washington Post
February 18, 2022
50 Years Later, the Rothko Chapel Meets a New Musical Match New York Times
February 17, 2022
Rothko Chapel Turns 50! City Cast Houston
February 10, 2022
11 Of The Very Best Places To Cry In Houston Secret Houston
February 03, 2022
Da Camera brings musician, MacArthur fellow as a guiding light at Rothko Chapel Houston Chronicle
January 15, 2022
How US museums are celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, from coast to coast The Art Newspaper
January 14, 2022
7 Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Houston Houstonia Magazine
December 07, 2021
From a Turreted Mansion to an Iconic Chapel, Houston’s Preservation Triumphs Get an Overdue Spotlight — Defying the Teardown Trend Paper City
December 02, 2021
Rothko Chapel Celebrates 50 Magical Years and an Extensive Renovation With a $650,000 Post Oak Hotel Night Paper City
November 05, 2021
Rothko Chapel’s 50th Anniversary Brings Arty Wonders — and a London Dream Paper City
November 05, 2021
Here’s what became of Rothko Chapel’s original doors, baffle and bungalows amid $32 million overhaul Houston Chronicle
June 29, 2021
In Houston, a glowing new home (and a remade old one) for modern art Dallas Morning News
May 25, 2021
Restoring the Rothko Chapel Skylight to Achieve the Artist’s Vision Architect Magazine
April 23, 2021
Rice’s Mody Center commemorates Rothko Chapel’s 50th anniversary Houston Chronicle
March 26, 2021
A Chapel of Hope with David Leslie UST MAX Studios
March 09, 2021
In Pictures: Rothko Chapel’s 50th anniversary celebrated in new publication The Art Newspaper
March 02, 2021
At 50 years old, Rothko Chapel still mystifies and reveals Houston Houston Chronicle
March 01, 2021
At 50, Rothko Chapel Is ‘Mesmerizing’ Sacred Space Houstonians Shouldn’t Take for Granted Houston CityBook
March 01, 2021
Artists and the Rothko Chapel: 50 Years of Inspiration YouTube
February 25, 2021
At 50, the Rothko Chapel is as Relevant as Its Ever Been Houstonia
February 23, 2021
Houston’s Rothko Chapel celebrates 50 years. Here’s why it matters Houston Chronicle
February 04, 2021
50 Years Later, We Need the Rothko Chapel More Than Ever Texas Highways
January 15, 2021
Crashing Silence Texas Architect
January 04, 2021
Two Longhorns Lead the Charge on Reopening the Rothko Chapel Alcalde
December 09, 2020
Rothko Chapel in a New Light Wall Street Journal
September 22, 2020
The Ambitious Restoration of Houston’s Rothko Chapel is Now Complete Architectural Digest
September 16, 2020
A first look at Houston’s renovated Rothko Chapel opening next week Houston Chronicle
September 09, 2020
Broken Obelisk and Racial Justice in Houston Rice Design Alliance
September 08, 2020
Inside The Holy Restoration of Houston’s Rothko Chapel WSJ Magazine
August 29, 2020
Leap of faith - how Mark Rothko reimagined religious art for the modern age Apollo
August 21, 2020
Rothko Chapel Finally Comes to Light Houston Public Media
July 22, 2020
Landscape Architect Thomas Woltz on His Gardens for the Rothko Chapel & Hudson Yards Galerie
June 24, 2020
Rothko Chapel to Honor Óscar Romero Award Recipients With June 30 Virtual Ceremony Glasstire
May 04, 2020
The Iconic Rothko Chapel in Houston Is Getting a Makeover Departures
April 27, 2020
Rothko Chapel’s Óscar Romero Awardees Announced Glasstire
March 04, 2020
How the Rothko Chapel Creates Spiritual Space JSTOR Daily
May 05, 2026
Rothko Chapel Announces Distinguished New Members to Board of Directors
March 26, 2026
Rothko Chapel and Muhammad Ali Center Sign Landmark MOU to Advance Compassionate Leadership Nationwide
March 06, 2026
Welcoming Alecia Harris as the Rothko Chapel’s Chief Development Officer
March 04, 2026
EXODUS Over Dinner with Van Jones
February 05, 2026
Partnership Launched to Establish a New International Cultural Network Through the Works of Mark Rothko
January 22, 2026
Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s Legacy at the Chapel in 2026
January 22, 2026
Rothko Chapel Celebrates New Chapters with Welcome Ceremony for President Abdullah Antepli
December 19, 2025
Rothko Chapel Announces 2026 Óscar Romero Awardees 45 Years after Saint’s Martyrdom
November 14, 2025
Rothko Chapel Dedicates the Kathleen and Chuck Mullenweg Peace and Reflection Garden
August 05, 2025
Abdullah Antepli Appointed President of the Rothko Chapel
January 09, 2025
President Jimmy Carter: A Champion for Human Rights for all
December 04, 2024
After Being Closed Since July Due to Damage from Hurricane Beryl, the Rothko Chapel Announces Reopening on December 17
November 25, 2024
DAVID LESLIE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ROTHKO CHAPEL, TO RETIRE
August 14, 2024
The Rothko Chapel Announces Temporary Closure Due to Hurricane Damage
May 23, 2024
We Remember the Legacy of Reverend William “Bill” Lawson
January 24, 2024
Art & Activism Drives Conversation with Dolores Huerta, Cheech Marin, and Vincent Valdez
September 13, 2023
Rothko Chapel Awarded $500,000 By Fondren Foundation for its Opening Spaces Campaign
February 13, 2023
Rothko Chapel Announces 2023 Óscar Romero Award Recipients
December 19, 2022
Rothko Chapel Presents Its 2023 MLK Birthday Celebration Program: IMAGES & WORDS: MEDIA’S INFLUENCE ON THE STRUGGLE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
September 28, 2022
Rothko Chapel Unveils Its 2022-2023 Program Calendar
September 02, 2022
Rothko Chapel Announces September 2022 to June 2023 Programming
August 17, 2022
Highlights from the Beyond the Rhetoric Series Are Available!
August 09, 2022
ROTHKO CHAPEL ANNOUNCES NEW SLATE OF BOARD OFFICERS
July 01, 2022
Statement from Rothko Chapel on Supreme Court Ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
June 30, 2022
Rothko Chapel Presents Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited On The Plaza On July 21 at 7 PM
May 26, 2022
Summer Solstice Observance: Contemplation in Light
March 11, 2022
Rothko Chapel Presents Beyond The Rhetoric - A Symposium Exploring Civil Rights And Shared Responsibility
January 06, 2022
Rothko Chapel Presents Songs For Justice: A Series Exploring Music In Social Justice Movements
November 30, 2021
ROTHKO CHAPEL 50th ANNIVERSARY GALA SETS FUNDRAISING RECORD
August 16, 2021
Rothko Chapel’s Opening Spaces Campaign Receives $3M Gift From Co-Founder Of WordPress
July 13, 2021
Beyond the Rhetoric: Civil Rights & Our Shared Responsibility
June 07, 2021
Sheldon Nodelman to Lecture About Design of Rothko Chapel
May 28, 2021
Twelve Moments: Exploring Spiritual and Faith Traditions Family Friendly Virtual Offerings
January 27, 2021
Rothko Chapel Celebrates its 50th Anniversary
December 23, 2020
Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor to Deliver the Rothko Chapel’s 2021 Annual MLK Lecture
September 14, 2020
Journalist Charles Blow to Deliver Farenthold Endowed Lecture in Peace, Social Justice and Human Rights
August 11, 2020
Announcing Rothko Chapel’s New Spirituality & Social Justice Cohort
June 19, 2020
Rothko Chapel to Host Virtual Ceremony to Celebrate 2020 Óscar Romero Award Winners on June 30
May 21, 2020
Rothko Chapel Official Reopening to Take Place September 12-13
April 23, 2020
Rothko Chapel Announces 2020 Óscar Romero Award Recipients
February 13, 2020
Rothko Chapel to Reopen in June
December 19, 2019
Take a “Toxic Tour” of Houston with Rothko Chapel and Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services
December 17, 2019
Rothko Chapel and Texas Southern University Celebrate MLK Birthday with Environmental Justice Program
October 30, 2019
Rothko Chapel Restoration to Ensure Building’s Longevity for Generations to Come
October 17, 2019
Announcing the 35th Annual Houston Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
May 29, 2019
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Rothko Chapel on June 21
May 09, 2019
Observe World Environment Day with the Entire Family
April 16, 2019
Learn How Light Impacts the Way Your Brain Sees Art
February 27, 2019
Texas Light: The Art and Architecture of the Rothko Chapel
February 18, 2019
Gender Parity is the focus for 2019 International Women’s Day on March 8
February 11, 2019
Exploring Climate Change in the ‘Energy Capital of the World’
January 09, 2019
The Gerling-Mut Duo Brings Their “Poetic Reflections” to Rothko Chapel on February 5
January 07, 2019
Rothko Chapel and Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services Host a “Toxic Tour” of Houston
December 10, 2018
Rev. Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Jr. and Former Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao Explore Gandhi’s Influence on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
December 05, 2018
Rothko Chapel Announces Board of Directors
December 05, 2018
Dance Performance about Climate Change to be held at Rothko Chapel
November 19, 2018
Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis
November 08, 2018
Elizabeth Yeampierre, Activista de Justicia climática, Ponente Principal para Cátedra Farenthold ed 29 de Noviembre en Rothko Chapel
November 01, 2018
2018 World AIDS Day Observance at the Rothko Chapel
October 25, 2018
Rothko Chapel to Host 34th Annual Houston Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
October 10, 2018
Elizabeth Yeampierre, Climate Justice Activist, is Keynote for Farenthold Endowed Lecture on November 29 at Rothko Chapel
September 12, 2018
Artist Invites Citizens to Examine Capital Punishment in Texas on October 10
August 27, 2018
Rothko Chapel Hosts Silkroad Ensemble on International Day of Peace
August 23, 2018
Rothko Chapel Presents Twelve Moments | Sharing Hurricane Harvey stories is the focus of the September 5 practice
July 02, 2018
Program on Immigration and Family Separation Set for July 17
June 15, 2018
Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Rothko Chapel on June 21
June 06, 2018
July Sizzles with Summer Sounds at Rothko Chapel
April 03, 2018
A Meditation, Moment of Silence and Audio Installation at the Rothko Chapel
March 28, 2018
Moonrise Party Raises Funds for Unique Programming
March 05, 2018
Anniversary of Archbishop Óscar Romero’s Martyrdom: Music and Spoken Word
February 20, 2018
Art and Activism: an Evening with Peter Sellars at Rothko Chapel
February 19, 2018
Press for Progress at the Rothko Chapel: Celebrate International Women’s Day
January 24, 2018
“Breath,” a site-specific work, created by the Transitory Sound and Movement Collective for the Rothko Chapel
January 19, 2018
Exploring the intersection of cosmology and theology with Ilia Delio at Rothko Chapel
December 18, 2017
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at the Rothko Chapel
November 22, 2017
Cultural Survival’s Suzanne Benally and Rothko Chapel’s David Leslie join for discussion of indigenous spirituality
November 21, 2017
Rothko Chapel to Commemorate World AIDS Day
November 13, 2017
An Interfaith Gathering at the Table, hosted by the Rothko Chapel
October 23, 2017
Rothko Chapel announces 2017 Óscar Romero Award Recipients
October 13, 2017
Shedding a Light on the Global Sex Trade and its Victims
October 12, 2017
Seeking a voice for the silenced at the Rothko Chapel
September 22, 2017
Music, art and a continued conversation about ending mass incarceration at the Rothko Chapel
September 08, 2017
Cultivating loving kindness through the Baha’i tradition after Hurricane Harvey
August 31, 2017
Reflection and Renewal after the storm at the Rothko Chapel
August 24, 2017
Strings for Peace at the Rothko Chapel
August 16, 2017
Honoring the legacy of Archbishop Óscar Romero
August 11, 2017
Rothko Chapel releases calendar for Twelve Moments through July 2018
July 06, 2017
Peace of mind for the whole family
June 29, 2017
Finding healing from vicarious trauma at the Rothko Chapel
June 27, 2017
Soundtrack for a summer evening at the Rothko Chapel
June 13, 2017
Hot summer, hotter jazz – at the Rothko Chapel
June 06, 2017
Spend the summer with the Rothko Chapel
June 02, 2017
Don’t worry, be happy
May 26, 2017
Rhythm and guidance for the year’s longest day
May 12, 2017
Explore the diverse Sufi meditative traditions
May 10, 2017
Connecting spirit and nature – for World Environment Day
April 27, 2017
Explore feminist perspectives within Islam
April 19, 2017
Site-specific music and labyrinth-inspired dance at the Rothko Chapel
April 17, 2017
Rise Above the Negativity Through Meditation
April 04, 2017
Nothing but the Sound – Loop 38 debuts work by Austrian Composer George Friedrich Haas in Houston