A new $500,000 gift from the Fondren Foundation will help fund the second phase of a revitalization and expansion plan at the Rothko Chapel.

The much-loved iconic arts space in Montrose is in the midst of a $35 million-fundraising effort. Rothko’s Opening Spaces campaign will fund the organization’s masterplan that includes a campus expansion and new programming. Construction will begin later this year and include a new meditation garden, a guest bungalow to provide dedicated housing for Chapel speakers and fellows, and the construction of two new buildings on the north side of the campus— an Administration and Archives Building and a Program Center.

Slated for completion in 2024, this new North Campus will offer dedicated indoor and outdoor multi-use spaces for programming and community gatherings with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment.

“Through this transformational master plan, we hope to create new facilities and enhanced grounds that reflect the Chapel’s role as a premier cultural and human rights institution, while at the same time facilitating the responsible stewardship of the extraordinary art and historic architecture in its care,” said Christopher Rothko, Chairman of Opening Spaces. “We are appreciative of the Fondren Foundation’s continual support in helping us achieve these goals.”

Rothko Chapel Executive Director David Leslie said when phase two of our expansion plan is completed, “we hope our campus becomes a robust cultural destination for advanced dialogue and engagement among our growing community and visitors.”

The Opening Spaces campaign has, to date, raised more than $24.5 million with the help of private donors and foundations located throughout Texas and the country.