LocalGuideWorld – Best Places to Visit, Eat & Stay Around the World
Historic octagonal brick building with massive abstract murals by Mark Rothko & outdoor sculptures.

At a glance

#9 of 10 Non-profit organizations in Houston #21 of 27 Museums in Houston

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.50

1.1 km from the center of Houston

Rating breakdown

  • 5 ★74%
  • 4 ★12%
  • 3 ★5%
  • 2 ★4%
  • 1 ★5%
3900 Yupon St, Houston, TX 77006
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 1
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 2
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 3
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 4
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 5
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 6
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 7
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 8
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 9
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 10
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 11
Rothko Chapel, Houston – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Rothko Chapel?
Rothko Chapel is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 1,582 reviews.
How does Rothko Chapel rank in Houston?
Rothko Chapel is #9 of 10 Non-profit organizations in Houston by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Rothko Chapel located?
3900 Yupon St, Houston, TX 77006 — 1.1 km from the center of Houston.
How can I contact Rothko Chapel?
Phone: (713) 524-9839 · Website: rothkochapel.org
ggFranja
I highly recommend visiting this place. If you take children do explain that they need to be silent inside. Though is place is best visited solo. I come here every year to reminisce about lost ones. Take a few minutes of your day to visit, even bring a book to read.
Joseph Mather
Workers stare at you the whole time so if the point is to reflect and disconnect that won’t be possible. This chapel is further proof that Houston is not a special city and it’s a shame because it should not competing with NYC, Chicago, and LA for impressive arts and culture scenes, but this is just another disappointment.
This is one of those places where people go to say they are artsy and care about this or that cause, etc, but beyond that sentiment, this is a totally unnecessary building.

I was told there would be paintings but there were just a bunch of canvases painted black.
On to of that, this is NOT a quiet place. The outside world can be heard quite well and it is extremely loud. On top of all this, I donated $10 before I walked in because I was expecting something extraordinary. This was a waste of time and money.
If you want to meditate or reflect, you are better able to do so at the local library.

I see what they are going for, but this is just a “we are good people working for a good cause” ploy.

I’d maybe come for a special event, but would never return just to visit this chapel.

What a waste
Brendan Ferguson
The Rothko Chapel appears to defy containment: It reads as a monument, robust brick and contoured lawns, still water and folded metal. It feels much more than that: An invitation for (and to) humanity. Enjoy x.
Ben Chrisp
Very calm place to visit during my trip to Houston. The monument outside was very cool and the area inside was warm and quiet to allow for some contemplation.
ck wade
Very nice environment to enjoy quiet contemplation. I go frequently on weekdays.

You cannot bring in food or drinks. They will ask you to leave any drinks in the an area in the vestibule.

No photography permitted (strictly adhered to).

And no lying down to stare at ceiling, whether on bench, floor, or your own yoga mat.

Very special place and I feel so lucky to have it as a local resource.
Jo Hargis
A beautiful and contemplative place. At first glance the paintings appear black, but shades and shapes emerge the longer you spend with them, as if out of mist. It provided a meditative inward experience as my mind wandered into the paintings.

I appreciate the staff’s gentle reminders to be silent and technology free. Their stewardship maintains an experience that I found extremely valuable.
michele holloway
Personally, it hurt my eyes looking at the artwork. I have bad eyesight, though. I loved the atmosphere. The quiet was wonderfully calming. The images that I was able to see were really interesting. I was inspired. I'm so glad that we went.
Alejandra Villegas
If you don’t like art, THIS PLACE IS NOT FOR YOU. 14 art pieces that at first seems to be just black but then after sometime of meditation you’ll see the diference between them. EVERYTHING has a meaning in here and when you read the last days of Rothko, the whole chappel makes sense. ONE OF THE BEST WORKS OF ART I’VE EVER SEE.
Plus, it just feels right to be there. So peaceful.
Patti Westbrook
Serene, unique, enigmatic. A Houston treasure. Don't miss the Barnett Newman sculpture "Broken Obelisk" out front. There is also a gift shop across the street. Highly recommend!
Avedon Arcade
I’m sorry, but I fail to see what makes this entire space so impressive. I’m a fan of Rothko’s too. But these pieces in particular do not show much range or variety in his style. It’s rather somber and moody. Which I guess fits the chapel’s ambience. It’s still treated as such too because they don’t allow you to take pictures or even speak loudly. The architecture is nothing special (subjectively in my eyes). But you might as well see if if you’re already walking around viewing all the Menil Collections.
Tim Sutton
The Rothko Chapel is a beautiful and calm space. The chapel and garden admission is free. The interior serves not only as a chapel, but also as a major work of modern art: on its walls are fourteen paintings by Mark Rothko in varying hues of black. The non-denominational chapel has several religious books form different religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Taoism. The garden outside is beautiful, calm and serene. You can’t take pictures inside the chapel.
Amor
I can’t believe I did not know this place even existed. Great place very calming and meditating here is a must. I bright my five year old and it was great to start training to be still and quite. She did great we stayed for a few minutes but definitely plan on coming back once a week to have her appreciate the silence. Homeschooling a five year old is great but having this type of experiences are greatly appreciated to have reachable moments. Thank you! We actually were in the area and just walked right in in a Thursday and it was free!

Leave a Review

Do you guide private tours here? List your tour for free – no commission, travellers contact you directly.

List your tour for free
Explore More

Nearby Places

You may also like

Similar Places

Related Places