Fire at Somerset House, London, where Van Gogh and Cezanne Art is displayed

Around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines on Saturday battled fire that broke out at the renowned Somerset House arts center in central London, the London Fire Brigade said. The historic Somerset House contains priceless works by Monet, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Botticelli.

Sharing a post on X, the London Fire Brigade said: "20 fire engines and around 125 firefighters have now been sent in response to the fire at Somerset House. Crews are tackling a fire located in part of the building's roof."
Heavy smoke and flames were visible from the roof around noon, but firefighters managed to bring it under control within a few hours, using ladder trucks to douse the flames. Video footage showed that the fire had burned a hole in the roof of the building.

"The cause of the fire is not yet known, the fire brigade said in a statement.
Somerset House reassured that staff and the public were safe, and the artworks were not in the area affected by the fire. The venue had been set to host a breakdancing event. "Somerset House is currently closed due to a fire which has broken out in one small part of the building," They said in a post on X.

The neoclassical building, reconstructed nearly 250 years ago, replaced the original Somerset House, which had been neglected and eventually demolished.

The original palace, built in 1547 by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, was home to Queen Elizabeth I for five years before she ascended the throne.

Somerset House, situated on the banks of the River Thames now serves as a cultural center.

(With input from agencies)