The iconic old stock exchange building in downtown Copenhagen, known for its elaborate spire of intertwined dragon tails, suffered a devastating partial collapse in a large fire early Tuesday morning. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but images and videos on social media showed flames engulfing the roof of the historic structure and dark clouds of smoke billowing over the city.
Denmark’s culture minister, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, expressed his sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the building’s significance in Danish history. The old stock exchange, also known as Borsen, dates back over 400 years and is one of the last structures in the world in Dutch Renaissance style where trade has been conducted for centuries.
Authorities evacuated surrounding buildings and urged people to stay away from the area due to safety concerns. A local emergency response agency advised individuals to seek medical attention if they experienced breathing difficulties from the smoke.
The building, which once served as the financial center of Denmark, housed valuable historical paintings and artifacts. City officials managed to rescue several prized pieces, including Peder Severin Kroyer’s renowned painting “From Copenhagen Stock Exchange,” which required six people to move to safety.
The loss of the old stock exchange building has deeply affected the Danish community, with many officials and citizens expressing their sadness and calling for the structure to be rebuilt. The building, commissioned by King Christian IV, played a crucial role in the city’s trade and commerce history.
As firefighters battled the blaze, onlookers gathered on the streets, stunned by the destruction of a beloved landmark. Celeste Bolvinkil Andersen, a witness to the fire, lamented the loss, reflecting on the missed opportunity to explore the historic building from the inside.
The fire at the old stock exchange building has left a profound impact on the city of Copenhagen, prompting calls for unity to restore the iconic structure to its former glory.
