Lee Bul's Hayward Gallery exhibition opening cancelled after installation catches fire

A private view for Lee Bul's major survey exhibition at London's Hayward Gallery was abruptly cancelled with only two hours' notice after one of her artworks caught fire. The incident occurred on 29 May 2018, though no injuries were reported. The gallery remained closed on 30 May while officials assessed the situation. The exhibition, titled 'Crashing,' was scheduled to run through 19 August and features large-scale installations including Willing to Be Vulnerable (2015-16), a tin-foil zeppelin. The gallery later confirmed the fire involved Majestic Splendor (1991–2018), an installation composed of rotting fish preserved in potassium permanganate. Following a press preview, gallery staff had been advised to remove the work from display, and the fire ignited during the removal process. The Hayward Gallery reopened to the public on 1 June, though the exhibition's public opening date remained uncertain pending further announcements.