(Credit: https://www.amazingbelgium.be/)

The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, known as Bozar, has issued a statement regarding the fire that broke out on the roof of the building on Jan. 18, 2021.

“On Monday, Jan. 18 around 4 p.m., a fire was observed on the roof of the Palais des Beaux-Arts, on the side of the rue Royale. The fire started near the cooling towers and spread between the roof and the ceiling over a large area, making the response particularly delicate,” stated the organization in a press release. “Firefighters, who responded quickly, managed to bring the blaze under control at around 9:30 p.m., preventing it from reaching adjacent buildings and spreading inside the Palais des Beaux-Arts. Work is underway to secure the roof against further damage.”

Per the press release, the Great Henry Le Bœuf concert hall was mainly affected by the water damage, in front of the stage, courtyard side, and at the level of the organ.

Bozar is awaiting further expertise in order to establish a correct estimate of the damage and to identify the cause of the fire. The extent of the damage to the building is expected to be considerable.