London’s Courtauld Gallery closed unexpectedly today, October 4, following a “tragic event” that resulted in a fatality at the museum yesterday afternoon.
A brief statement on the institution’s website clarifies that “police are not investigating the death as suspicious” and provides no further details. “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased,” the statement says.
Part of the Courtauld Institute of Art, the museum is located on the Strand thoroughfare in the Neoclassical complex known as the Somerset House in central London. The institution houses a collection of over 33,000 objects with a special focus on Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including art historically renowned works such as Édouard Manet’s last major work, “A Bar at the Folies-Bergère” (1882). In addition, the museum is currently hosting an exhibition by British artist Claudette Johnson.
Yesterday afternoon, a tragic event occurred at The Courtauld Gallery premises that led to a fatality. The police are not treating the event as suspicious. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased. (1/3)
— The Courtauld (@TheCourtauld) October 4, 2023
An event scheduled for this evening was also canceled. The museum will reopen to the public on Friday, October 6, and visitors who had tickets to visit the galleries today before the announced closure can rebook at no cost.
This is a developing story. Hyperallergic has reached out to the Courtauld Gallery and the City of London Police for additional information.
