Dedicated in 1971, the Rothko Chapel was built by John and Dominique de Menil as a quiet spiritual sanctuary for people of all beliefs and faiths, and as a center for championing social justice and human rights. The building, originally designed by Philip Johnson, holds a suite of 14 paintings by American Abstract Expressionist Mark Rothko. This documentary, completed in 1972 by filmmakers Jerry Michaels and Francois de Menil, takes us inside the chapel. Johnson, holds a suite of 14 paintings by American Abstract Expressionist Mark Rothko. This documentary, completed in 1972 by filmmakers Jerry Michaels and Francois de Menil, takes us inside the chapel.