The Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas, which was founded by philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil and built in 1971, has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Houston Endowment in support of the restoration of the landmark and the expansion of its campus. To date, more than $12.5 million has been raised as part of the capital campaign Opening Spaces, which was launched to better help the chapel fulfill its mission.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rothko Chapel is a nondenominational sacred space that houses fourteen monumental canvases by Mark Rothko. The artist envisioned the site as a place of spiritual contemplation and engagement, regardless of one’s religious background.

“Houston Endowment envisions Houston as a vibrant community where all people have the opportunity to thrive, and a vibrant community needs a strong arts ecosystem,” said Long Chu, a program officer at the organization. “Fulfillment of the master plan will elevate Rothko Chapel’s role as one of Houston’s significant cultural institutions and expand its ability to contribute to Houston’s vibrancy.”

The chapel has been closed since March so that the first phase of the master plan could be carried out. This phase includes the reconfiguration of the structure’s skylight, lighting, and entryway. Opening Spaces aims to enhance visitor experience as well as expand programming and the offering of educational initiatives.

Remarking on the grant, David Leslie, executive director of the chapel, said: “We are so grateful for the support of Houston Endowment, which will help us tremendously in our efforts to restore the sense of spirituality and contemplation to the Chapel itself, and to build a better space for community leaders and members of the public to come together and wrestle with the questions of social justice and human rights.”