Chiltern Firehouse, located in the Marylebone neighborhood of London, is known for its status as a hot hotel and restaurant frequented by A-list celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Moss, and Jennifer Lawrence. The establishment recently found itself at the center of an amusing incident during Frieze Week, an art fair that attracts art enthusiasts from around the world. A guest at Chiltern Firehouse mistakenly believed a video artwork, titled “Burning Down the House” by artist Marco Brambilla, featuring images of a flickering fire, to be a real fire. This misunderstanding led to the activation of the fire alarm, creating a moment of confusion and amusement.
“Burning Down the House” is a site-specific video installation created by artist Marco Brambilla, who is also known for his work on the backdrop of U2’s opening performance of the Sphere in Las Vegas. Commissioned by Chiltern Firehouse’s owner, Andre Balazs, the artwork consists of a large panel of CCTV-type video screens. These screens depict images of smoke, flames, and guests in various stages of undress fleeing from their rooms. Filmed within the corridors of the Firehouse, the installation hangs in the hotel’s stairwell.
In the late hours of the night, a guest at Chiltern Firehouse mistook the video artwork for a live footage of an actual fire. Believing there to be a real fire, the guest proceeded to pull the fire alarm located next to the art installation. The alarm was promptly turned off by the hotel engineers within two minutes, and the fire department, known as the fire brigade in London, was not called to the scene. Although the front desk received numerous calls, the situation was swiftly resolved, and no guests were evacuated or left their rooms.
The incident at Chiltern Firehouse during Frieze Week created a moment of amusement among staff and guests alike. The confusion caused by the guest mistaking the video artwork for a real fire highlights the power of art to evoke genuine emotions and elicit strong reactions. While the initial alarm may have caused some inconvenience, it ultimately added an unexpected twist to the experience of staying at Chiltern Firehouse.
Chiltern Firehouse’s reputation as a luxury hotel and restaurant extends beyond its unconventional artwork and the amusing incident during Frieze Week. A favorite among celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Cara Delevingne, and David Beckham, the former firehouse-turned-hotel has become a go-to destination in London for those seeking a lavish and exclusive experience. The hotel’s unique history, combined with its stylish decor and impeccable service, has cemented its status as a celebrity haven.
A Celebration of Art and Luxury
Chiltern Firehouse’s association with artwork, both through its commissioned installations and its celebrity clientele, reflects a fusion of art and luxury. The hotel’s decision to incorporate video installations by renowned artists such as Marco Brambilla demonstrates a commitment to providing guests with a memorable and immersive artistic experience. The incident during Frieze Week serves as a testament to the impact of art and the unexpected ways in which it can captivate and engage individuals.
Chiltern Firehouse’s encounter with a guest mistaking a video artwork for a real fire highlights the intriguing and often unpredictable nature of art. The incident, while initially causing a moment of confusion, ultimately added a touch of amusement to the hotel’s reputation. Chiltern Firehouse continues to position itself as a unique destination that celebrates the intersection of art and luxury. As Frieze Week and other art events unfold, guests can expect to encounter captivating installations and perhaps even moments of unexpected surprise.