Renewing the Rothko Chapel’s Legacy of Art, Spirituality and Social Justice

The Rothko Chapel, created by patrons John and Dominique de Menil and the artist Mark Rothko, is a locus of art, spirituality and social justice. Designed by Philip Johnson and completed with Rothko’s direction in 1971, the Chapel is a non-denominational space for contemplation and gathering through encountering Rothko’s art. An adjacent reflecting pool with Barnett Newman’s sculpture “Broken Obelisk,” dedicated to Martin Luther King, forms an ensemble with the Chapel.

Set within an early 20th-century residential neighborhood the Chapel is treasured by local residents and guests from around the world. The Architecture Research Office is leading the project to renew the Chapel and advance its mission. The recently completed first phase of work involved the Chapel renovation and the design of a new landscape and welcome house. The second phase, presently in construction, includes a new meditation garden beside the Chapel and a new north campus with administration and archive building, program center, and public plaza. 

Adam Yarinsky FAIA, Principal of Architecture Research Office, will present the design principles, process and impact of the Rothko Chapel renewal project. Architecture Research Office (ARO) is a New York City firm united by their collaborative process, commitment to accountable action, and social and environmental responsibility. ARO’s diverse body of work has received widespread recognition, including the American Institute of Architects Firm Award and the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award. The comprehensive monograph Architecture. Research. Office. was published in 2024 by Delmonico/Artbook D.A.P. Adam has taught at Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Yale, and other institutions. He has also lectured and written extensively about ARO’s work. He holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Virginia and a Master of Architecture from Princeton University.

Website: www.aro.net 

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$18

Things To KnowAges 13 and older
This is an indoor activity
Wheelchair accessible
Parking and handicap parking available
Seated activity
Restrooms are available
No smoking or e-cigarettes

Important InformationThe entrance to the Annenberg Theater is located behind the Annenberg Theater Box Office, adjacent to the Palm Springs Art Museum's North Parking Lot.
Ample free public parking is available in the multi-level public garage across from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week Annenberg Theater Activity.

Check-in Location Annenberg Theater
Palm Springs Art Museum
101 N Museum Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262View Map

Photo Credits: Elizabeth Felicella, Synoesis, Dean Kaufman {"locationAddressVisibility":"visible"}