Courtauld Gallery reopens after fire

Part of the Somerset House complex in central London will open to the public today, despite a fire that damaged the venue's roof over the weekend. The London Fire Brigade is currently investigating the cause of the fire, which led to the closure of the main venue "until further notice." Several events, including a South Asian creativity day and a breakdancing celebration, have been canceled due to the incident. The fire, which broke out in the west wing of Somerset House, primarily affected office spaces and back-of-house facilities, with no artworks in the damaged area. A total of 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines were deployed to combat the blaze, and fortunately, there were no reported injuries. Jonathan Reekie, director of the Somerset House Trust, expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response and stated that it is too early to assess the full extent of the building's damage. Somerset House, a neoclassical structure, has a rich history dating back to its original construction in 1547. It has served various purposes over the centuries, including as the headquarters of the Parliamentary Army during the English Civil War. Arts minister Sir Chris Bryant confirmed that the government is in communication with the venue to evaluate the impact of the fire and expressed relief that there were no casualties. The community hopes for a swift reopening of Somerset House, a vital cultural hub in London, as investigations continue.