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A fire which tore through the roof of London landmark Somerset House on Saturday has been brought under control.
Around 125 firefighters spent seven hours trying to extinguish the flames after the fire broke out at about midday.
Smoke could be seen from across the city, billowing from the building in The Strand, beside the north bank of the River Thames.
The property’s Courtauld gallery, home to works by the likes of Van Gogh and Monet, was not affected and will reopen on Sunday.
Somerset House itself will remain closed while the fire’s cause is investigated.
London Fire Brigade said the age and design of the building proved a challenge for crews, and four aerial ladders, including a 64m turntable ladder, were deployed.
Arts minister Sir Chris Bryant said the government was liaising with the venue to “understand the impact and damage”.
He said: “I am very pleased that there are no casualties and hope that Somerset House can reopen to visitors as soon as possible.”
