Rothko Chapel

General Description:
Rothko Chapel is a place where religion, art, and architecture meet (Lane). It is a non-denominational chapel in Houston, Texas founded by John and Dominique de Menil. The interior serves as a chapel, but also as a major work of modern art. On its walls are fourteen paintings by Mark Rothko (Rothko Chapel). The inside is a fairly empty room. It has eight walls. An overhead skylight provides the only illumination. In the center of the room are rows of simple, wooden benches (Wikipedia). On September 16, 2000 Rothko Chapel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places (Rothko Chapel).
Architectural Design:
In 1964 Rothko was commissioned by John and Dominique de Menil to create a meditative space filled with his painting. As Rothko was given creative license on the design of the structure, he clashed with the project’s original architect, Philip Johnson over the plans for the chapel. The plans went through several revisions and architects. Rothko died before the chapel was completed (Rothko Chapel).
Harmony with Nature:
Rothko Chapel is illuminated by a single source of light. There is a skylight in the center of the chapel. This natural sunlight helps to produce a mood that encourages reflection (Wikipedia).
Symbolism and Sacred Objects:
There is one main example of symbolism and sacred objects in the Rothko Chapel. On the walls are painting. There are fourteen of them. Each is rectangular with a few large, rectangular, slightly irregular blotches of brilliant pure color. These paintings were commissioned to be within the chapel, and they will always be the only fourteen within the Rothko Chapel. These fourteen sacred objects are monumental in creating the ambiance of this sacred place.
How is it used by Worshipers? :
The Rothko Chapel was dedicated to 1971 as an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief. It is a modern meditative place that is inspired by the paintings of Mark Rothko. People of every faith come to enjoy this sacred place (Lane). The institution distinguishes itself by regarding issues and concerns before they are recognized by the major population. Support for human rights issues in important to the Rothko Chapel. The chapel is also concerned with peace, freedom, and social justice throughout the world (Lane). The people that are not affiliated with any certain religion find the chapel appropriate for memorial services for their loved ones or for wedding ceremonies. It has become a spiritual landmark (Lane).

References
Lane, Jim. "Rothko Chapel." Humanities Web. 8 Nov. 2007. <www.humanitiesweb.org>.
Rothko Chapel. "About the Chapel." The Rothko Chapel. 8 Nov. 2007. <www.rothkochapel.org>.
Wikipedia. "Rothko Chapel." Wikipedia. 8 Nov. 2007. <www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki.Rothko_Chapel>.