The National Gallery of Ireland says none of its artwork was damaged in an electrical fire this afternoon.
The gallery was closed after 2pm today after a blaze broke out in one of its basement rooms.
Staff were evacuated and three Dublin fire Brigade engines entered the building wearing breathing apparatus.
The fire was contained to a server room in the gallery’s basement and fire fighters used fans to ventilate the building and get rid of the smoke.
3 fire engines from Tara St & Donnybrook stations are attending a fire on Merrion Sq West. Breathing apparatus in use #Dublin #fire 📷 @DarraghBerry pic.twitter.com/sR4xJzVFb8
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) January 23, 2019
The gallery has since re-opened to the public.
It is believed the fire was close to the gallery’s archive collection – however, there was no damage to the main gallery or any of its priceless paintings.
The Gallery is temporarily closed due to an alarm going off in the building. We hope to reopen again very shortly, and will let you know as soon as we do.
— Nat Gallery Ireland (@NGIreland) January 23, 2019
The Gallery has now reopened - thank you for your patience!
— Nat Gallery Ireland (@NGIreland) January 23, 2019
