A fire at Somerset House in central London has been brought under control after around 125 firefighters were called to tackle the blaze.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said at a joint press conference with the arts centre that firefighters are now working to extinguish the “last pockets of fire” on the roof.
The fire broke out in the west wing just before noon and the historic monument remains closed “until further notice.” There were no works of art in that part of the building, a spokesman said.
There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Thick grey smoke could be seen billowing from the striking building, across the River Thames and nearby Waterloo Bridge.
LFB Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster told reporters the fire service carried out a “complex and technical response”.
They will remain on site until tomorrow, she added.
She was joined by Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House, who said: “It is too early to comment on the state of the building.”
He added that the venue will remain closed until further notice, but that the Courtauld Gallery will reopen to the public tomorrow.
In an earlier post on social media, Somerset House announced that the venue was closed due to the fire and that all events on Saturday would be cancelled.
After the location was evacuated, staff and visitors were still outside.
“Everyone is safe, there are no valuables or artworks in that part of the building,” Mr Reekie previously told the BBC.
“For now we just want to let the London Fire Brigade do their job.”
Due to the heavy smoke, the London Ambulance Service urged people to avoid the area and advised local businesses to keep their windows and doors closed.
Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant said he hoped the venue could reopen as soon as possible and that his department would be in touch.
“I'm devastated to hear about the fire at Somerset House. This historic building is home to some of London's best galleries and creative spaces.”
Situated on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is currently used as an arts venue. The Georgian-era buildings and square were built on the site of a Tudor palace.
Also located on this site is the Courtauld Gallery, an art museum housing the collection of the Samuel Courtauld Trust, including masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is part of the Courtauld Collection, which also includes works by the Impressionists Edouard Manet, Claude Monet and Paul Cézanne.
Somerset House's famous courtyard regularly hosts exhibitions, experiences and skating opportunities.
According to LFB, firefighters were battling flames that “were located in part of the roof of the building”.
According to the brigade, there are 20 fire engines at the scene, including crews from Soho, Islington and surrounding fire stations.
The LFB deployed four aerial platforms, one of which was 64 metres long, to fight the fire, the Brigade's assistant commissioner said.
According to the Met Police, officers were called at 12.25pm and arrived at the scene, along with the LFB fire brigade.
Roads were closed, police said, and no one was believed to be at Somerset House.
