Denmark’s iconic 17th-century børsen building suffers significant damage as its spire collapses; artworks rescued amid the blaze
A devastating fire has swept through the historic Børsen, Copenhagen’s old stock exchange, leading to the collapse of its iconic spire and sending shockwaves through Denmark. This tragic incident occurred early Tuesday morning in the heart of Copenhagen, near key national landmarks like the Folketing Parliament and the Christiansborg Royal Palace.
Constructed in 1625 and renowned for its Dutch Renaissance style, the Børsen has stood as a symbol of Denmark’s mercantile history. The building’s distinctive spire, adorned with intertwined dragon tails topped by three crowns, symbolized Denmark’s historical connections with Norway and Sweden. Tragically, this architectural gem was undergoing renovations, covered in scaffolding and protective materials, when the fire broke out.
As flames engulfed the structure, onlookers watched in horror as centuries of Danish cultural heritage appeared to dissolve before their eyes. Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt lamented the loss, equating the disaster to the Notre Dame fire in Paris in 2019, highlighting the deep cultural resonance of the building.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, though its occurrence amid renovation works echoes the circumstances of the Notre Dame catastrophe. Emergency services faced significant challenges due to the scaffolding, which complicated their efforts to control the blaze. Despite the intense fire, especially around the tower, the swift action of firefighters and volunteers ensured that everyone inside was evacuated safely.
Efforts to salvage history were palpable, as local residents, emergency workers, and Danish Chamber of Commerce Director Brian Mikkelsen rushed to rescue numerous valuable paintings housed within the Børsen. These artworks, depicting prominent Danes from the 17th century onwards, constitute a vital part of the nation’s heritage.
Benjamin Asmussen, a local museum inspector, shared with TV2 the community’s heartache at seeing such a treasured site consumed by flames. The day’s events have prompted a strong communal response, uniting citizens in a shared sense of loss and determination to recover what remains of the historic edifice.
As Copenhagen grapples with the aftermath of this calamity, the focus turns to investigating the fire’s origin and assessing the full extent of the damage. The city mourns a pivotal piece of its architectural and cultural identity, even as discussions begin on how to restore what has been lost.
