Two art galleries in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood were affected when a fire broke out in a nearby building on Wednesday evening, January 22.
Just before midnight, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) responded to a fire originating from the basement of a seven-story mixed-use building at 45 White Street, which is home to two contemporary art galleries. Michael Nevin, co-owner of the Journal Gallery, said that although the fire did not reach the space, the gallery was damaged by the FDNY’s efforts to stop the fire. Asya Geisberg Gallery was in the building reportedly also affected. (Asya Geisberg has not yet responded Hyperallergic‘s requests for comment.)
According to an FDNY report shared with Hyperallergicthe fire was extinguished in about four hours. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries while extinguishing the fire, the cause of which is currently under investigation.
Nevin said Hyperallergic that “there was damage to the space, but in terms of artwork we are still assessing.”
Nevin said he first heard of the fire around 8 a.m. this morning, Jan. 23, after receiving messages from acquaintances. He initially thought the messages referred to his gallery space in Los Angeles, which was not affected by the recent devastating fires.
“We were lucky,” Nevin said Hyperallergic. “It was a very strange start to the year.”
Nevin said it’s too early to know when the gallery will reopen, adding, “We look forward to being back in the space.”
