A fire erupted at the historic Somerset House in central London on Saturday, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. While the blaze caused substantial damage to the building’s roof, officials confirmed that priceless artworks by renowned artists like Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh remained untouched.
Firefighters swiftly responded to the incident, working diligently to contain the flames and prevent further damage. The fire, which originated in the west wing of the building, was brought under control by the evening. However, crews remained on the scene throughout the night. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Somerset House, a prominent cultural venue, was evacuated as a precautionary measure, and a planned breakdancing event was canceled. Fortunately, the nearby Courtauld Gallery, home to a renowned art collection, was unaffected and is scheduled to reopen on Sunday.
The building, a neoclassical masterpiece, was reconstructed in the 18th century on the site of a previous palace that once housed Queen Elizabeth I. While the fire caused significant damage to the roof, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the fragility of historic structures. The incident has also highlighted the resilience of cultural institutions and the dedication of firefighters in protecting our shared heritage.
