A fire has erupted at London’s Somerset House, prompting over 100 firefighters to respond to the scene.
The blaze, visible from central London, is being fought from a crane.
Somerset House, which once served the Royal Navy and now functions as a cultural center, houses Van Gogh’s self-portrait with a bandaged ear in one of its galleries.
Jonathan Reekie, director of the Somerset House Trust, reported that the fire started in the west wing, where there are no artworks.
Approximately 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines are on site, working to control the fire on the roof using two 32-meter ladders. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the building is currently closed to the public.
Originally constructed in the 1500s and rebuilt in the 1700s, Somerset House was named after Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who built it as his palace.
It has a rich history, including hosting the Treaty of London in 1604 and serving as a parliamentary headquarters during the English Civil War. It narrowly escaped the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Today, Somerset House hosts creative events, exhibitions, and the Courtauld Gallery, which includes works by Manet, Van Gogh, and Monet. It also houses King’s College London’s law school and has appeared in various films and TV shows.
A dance battle event was scheduled for the building’s courtyard on Saturday, but it has been canceled due to the fire.
The site remains closed, and officials are working closely with the fire brigade to manage the situation.
