Denmark’s iconic old stock exchange building, Børsen, located in the heart of Copenhagen, was tragically engulfed in flames recently.
The 17th-century building, known for its historic significance, witnessed its iconic spire collapse during the fire, leaving onlookers stunned.
Fortunately, everyone inside the building managed to evacuate safely, with bystanders rushing to salvage some of the valuable historic paintings housed within the structure. Danish Culture Minister, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, lamented the loss of 400 years of Danish cultural heritage that went up in flames.
The Børsen, dating back to 1625, is situated close to Denmark’s parliament, the Folketing, and the royal palace, Christiansborg. The nearby square was evacuated as a safety precaution, as the fire raged on.
The old stock exchange building was undergoing renovations and was covered in scaffolding and protective plastic wrapping. Presently, it serves as the home of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, which described the scenes of devastation as “terrible.”
Local craftsman Henrik Grage expressed his sorrow over the fire, likening the incident to the Notre-Dame fire in Paris in 2019. Just like the Paris catastrophe, the Copenhagen fire occurred amidst renovations, leading to speculation about the fire’s cause.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with authorities considering a short circuit or a worker’s improperly discarded cigarette butt as potential triggers. The intense flames, particularly around the building’s tower, caused significant damage, complicating the emergency services’ response.
Passersby, along with emergency responders and chamber of commerce director Brian Mikkelsen, collaborated to rescue the valuable art pieces housed in the Børsen. Local museum inspector Benjamin Asmussen described the fire as heartbreaking, considering the building’s historical significance and the priceless paintings it contained.
Commissioned by King Christian IV to transform Copenhagen into a major trading hub, the Dutch Renaissance-style building’s architecture features four dragons on its spire, symbolizing alliance and close ties with neighboring countries.
