Copenhagen, Denmark – An early morning fire engulfed the historic former stock exchange building, Borsen, sparking a devastating blaze that gutted large parts of the 400-year-old structure and toppled its iconic ornate spire with distinctive dragons. The Danish Chamber of Commerce, which owns Borsen, has vowed to rebuild regardless of the challenges ahead.
The catastrophic event drew comparisons to the fire that ravaged France’s Notre-Dame cathedral in 2019, prompting Danish officials to seek lessons from the swift restoration of the cathedral. Brian Mikkelsen, head of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, along with colleagues and emergency workers, bravely entered the burning building multiple times to rescue centuries-old artworks stored inside amidst the flames.
Residents of Copenhagen were shocked and saddened by the loss of the famous dragon spire, a significant landmark in the city’s skyline. The outpouring of public support included sharing photos of Borsen on social media, emphasizing the building’s historical and cultural significance to the community.
Built in 1625 by Christian IV, Borsen served as a trading facility for Northern Europe before becoming a stock exchange until the mid-20th century. With its unique red brick and teal-green copper roof, Borsen stood as one of the few remaining Renaissance buildings in Copenhagen. The loss of this iconic structure meant losing a fundamental part of the city’s history and identity.
Despite the tragedy, there is hope for rebuilding and restoring Borsen to its former glory. The Danish Architecture Centre’s Chief Executive, Kent Martinussen, highlighted the potential use of new technologies like 3D techniques and AI to recreate older materials for the reconstruction.
Amidst the devastation, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited the site to express her support for the reconstruction efforts. Mr. Mikkelsen, determined to stay true to the original vision of Christian IV, aims for a faithful restoration of Borsen. The anticipated cost of the project, over 1 billion kroner, will require collaboration from various foundations, companies, and the public to fund the restoration.
As the community rallies behind the effort to rebuild Borsen, the tragic fire serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination to preserve history and culture in the face of adversity. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with support from all corners, the historic landmark may once again grace Copenhagen’s skyline, standing as a testament to the city’s rich heritage and spirit.