Famous buildings lost or damaged by fire

Notre-Dame Cathedral (Paris, 2019) – A devastating fire damaged the roof and iconic spire of this historic cathedral. – 

The Crystal Palace (London, 1936) – The magnificent glass structure, built for the Great Exhibition of 1851, was destroyed by fire. – 

Glasgow School of Art (Glasgow, 2014 and 2018) – Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architectural masterpiece was severely damaged by two major fires. – 

The Reichstag (Berlin, 1933) – The German parliament building was set on fire in an event that dramatically changed political history. – 

The White House (Washington, D.C., 1814) – Set ablaze by British forces during the War of 1812, the building had to be largely reconstructed. – 

Shuri Castle (Okinawa, Japan, 2019) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic castle was almost completely destroyed by fire. – 

The Opera House (Valletta, Malta, 1942) – This iconic building was damaged beyond repair during World War II bombings, then later destroyed by fire. – 

The National Museum of Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, 2018) – A fire engulfed this museum, destroying millions of historical and cultural artifacts. – 

The Royal Alcázar of Madrid (Madrid, 1734) – This Spanish royal palace was destroyed in a fire and later replaced by the current Royal Palace. – 

Winter Palace (Saint Petersburg, 1837) – A massive fire caused significant damage to this residence of Russian emperors, leading to major restorations.