A state of emergency engulfed the Phillips Collection and its surrounding neighborhood this morning as a renovation-related fire broke out on the roof. No artwork was significantly damaged according to a statement from the gallery but the museum is closed and most events are postponed until further notice.
The fire began on the roof on Phillips House and spread to the upper level of the building. The upper floors in that part of the museum contain development offices and are not used for paintings. Art from the lower floors on in that section had been moved “in a very timely fashion” to other areas in the museum.
The sprinkler system went off on all four floors of the House and worked to initially control the fire which was then fully extinguished by the D.C. Fire Department according to D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman Pete Piringer. The fire took “about 10 to 15 minutes” to extinguish. Curators are currently examining the works because of concerns about damage from water and smoke on the upper floors. Luckily, early reports indicate that there no damage to the paintings. The Phillips House, the original home of Duncan Phillips contains portions of the permanent collection and was undergoing renovation as part of a long-term project
The Collection, located near Dupont Circle, is one of the preeminent art museums in Washington and contains many famous works, including Renoir’s Luncheon Of The Boating Party.
The museum had planned to open a new exhibit featuring works from the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College on September 11th. None of those pieces had arrived at the gallery yet.
Electricity to the building has been shut off and a full investigation by building and fire inspectors is planned. D.C. Fire & EMS currently believes that the fire was accidental and estimates damage at around $250,000, although the Phillips Collection cannot confirm that information.
The gallery’s statement:
This morning, there was a renovation-related fire on the roof of the Phillips House.
The fire was contained and extinguished. No one was injured. All artwork is safe and secure. Museum conservators are currently evaluating the artwork but nothing has incurred significant damage. The building condition is being evaluated as well.
The Museum is closed until further notice. Phillips after 5 has been postponed. This evening’s GW class, “The Peformative Impulse in American Art,” will take place as planned at the Center for Study of Modern Art from 6-8:30 pm. Media inquiries should be directed to Sara Durr at 202-215-1811 or [email protected].
