Major Fire on Tony Cragg's Property in Wuppertal – Fire Department Prevents Destruction of Artworks

The firefighting efforts lasted for several hours. It took around four hours to fully extinguish the burning container. Extinguishing foam was also used. The Wuppertal fire department was deployed for hours to prevent the fire from spreading, as stated in a release.

While searching for hotspots, parts of the hall roof were also removed, explained the fire department, which had arrived with around 100 emergency personnel. According to the fire department, the fire spread to the facade and the roof. Based on initial findings, however, no artwork was directly destroyed. Whether smoke may have damaged the artworks still needs to be clarified.

Firefighting Operations and Damage Assessment

As has now become known, the fire reportedly did not directly destroy any artwork. The building is externally damaged, but otherwise there is no major damage, according to the artist. No one was injured. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are not yet known.

Tony Cragg himself stated that the fire was likely due to an accident on the construction site. There is currently construction work on the roof, "sodass ein Baustellenunfall wahrscheinlich sei", Tony Cragg said when asked. It had been an "aufregende Nacht", the artist added.

Possible Construction Accident Cause and Asbestos Contamination

Cragg expressed gratitude for the quick response of local residents: "Gott sei Dank haben die Nachbarn die Feuerwehr kontaktiert und die haben sehr schnell gehandelt", Cragg said. Police are investigating how the fire broke out.

A particular challenge for the emergency personnel was potential hazardous substances in the container. According to police, asbestos-like materials were present in the container. The State Office for Nature and Environment will now examine how dangerous the substances are. All 100 emergency personnel had to shower on site and change their clothing, which further complicated the firefighting efforts.

Tony Cragg: An Artist of International Renown

Tony Cragg, born in Liverpool in 1949, is considered one of the most significant sculptors of the present day. He has lived in Wuppertal since 1977 and is known, among other things, for large-scale sculptures such as the sculpture "I'm Alive" in front of the opera house. Internationally, his works have been exhibited at the Albertina in Vienna (2022), at the Salzburg DomQuartier (2025), as well as with the large sculpture "Caldera" at Makartplatz in Salzburg (2008). The artist is represented in Austria by Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac.

The incident was reported on 08.07.2026 in the local program WDR 2 Bergisches Land. Police and the State Office for Nature and Environment are conducting further investigations.

The Wuppertal fire department expressed relief that the studios and artworks remained largely intact despite the major nighttime fire. The full extent of potential smoke damage to the works is the subject of ongoing investigations.