Fire contained at the historic Somerset House cultural center in London on August 17, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images/VNA)

The fire broke out in the west wing of the building, which is mainly comprised of offices and “back-of-house” facilities, and there are “no artworks in that area”. Video and images on social media showed an area of roof on fire and smoke billowing out over the Thames.

Somerset House, on a site which overlooks the River Thames and dating back to 1547, is a former royal palace and stately home and is now an arts, cultural and entertainment centre. The Courtauld Gallery, located in the north wing, is home to a collection of famous paintings including Vincent Van Gogh’s 1889 self-portrait of himself with a bandaged ear.

The House’s grand courtyard hosts open-air live music performances in the summer and is a popular ice-skating rink in the winter.