ICYMI: You Have Less than 3 Months to Enjoy the Rothko Chapel The nondenominational landmark will temporarily close for renovations in March 2019.

By Morgan Kinney 12/12/2018 at 11:50am AddThis Sharing Buttons Share to Facebook 487Share to TwitterShare to Google+Share to PinterestShare to SMSShare to EmailShare to Print

Image: Courtesy of Rothko Chapel

Not long after its next-door neighbor, the Menil Collection, reopened after closing temporarily for renovations, the Rothko Chapel announced Tuesday it will be off-limits to the public beginning Monday, March 4. Both the chapel and grounds will remain shuttered “until winter of 2019” (read: the end of next year).

The facelift anticipates the chapel’s 2021 50th anniversary and includes both a reconfigured entryway and lighting design for the chapel. Visitors can also expect additions to the campus, with entirely new buildings to support expanded programming, as well as amped-up green spaces. The whole package—part of the “Opening Spaces” capital campaign—continues recent restoration efforts aimed at preserving the Philip Johnson-designed building completed with support from John and Dominique de Menil in 1971.

And while the octagonal sanctuary—with its three triptychs and five individual panels by artist Mark Rothko—will be out of commission, the chapel will continue programming at alternate locations (keep an eye on their event calendar for updates).

Between now and March, there’s no better time to pop into the chapel for a moment of reflection, or attend one of their programs. You’ll likely catch us at the one-time performance from The Seldoms, a Chicago-based dance company who will explore themes of climate change, slated for January 31.