Repairing Paintings from Hurricane Damage

The East Triptych is currently undergoing restoration following damage sustained during Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.

The paintings have been transferred to an offsite conservation facility, and while we do not yet have an exact date for its return, every step is being taken to preserve and restore them with the utmost care. 

About the damage 
Following the derecho storm that tore through Houston in May 2024, Hurricane Beryl hit the city in late July with intense winds and heavy rains causing immense damage, prolonged power outages, and the loss of life.

In contrast to the severe weather events of previous years where the Chapel remarkably and thankfully sustained no damage, including past freezes, floods, and droughts, the same cannot be said about Hurricane Beryl’s impact. The storm’s exceptionally heavy rain and gale-force winds caused a roof leak that resulted in damage to parts of the ceiling, several walls, and four of Mark Rothko's iconic panels. A majestic old oak tree also split in half and fell on the roof of our office causing water damage to our former workspace. While we are deeply grateful that there were no injuries, the impact to the murals was overwhelming and the Chapel was closed to the public from July to December 2024.

Immediately after the storm, the Chapel engaged Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation, one of the country’s premier art-conservation firms, to lead the conservation analysis and assessment. The affected panels are now undergoing careful restoration at an off-site facility and will be returned to the Chapel once the work is complete. The water-streaked walls and ceiling have also been repaired and repainted. 

The Chapel reopened to the public on December 17, 2024 without the East Triptych panels and remains open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm for visitation. 

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