A devastating fire broke out in one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings, the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange, causing the collapse of its iconic spire. Passersby and emergency services rushed to save priceless paintings and valuables from the burning building, with Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt commending the efforts of those who helped. Chief of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, Brian Mikkelsen, and his staff worked tirelessly to rescue paintings, which were then carried to safety at nearby locations. Many tools, including crowbars, were utilized in the salvage efforts as the flames continued to rage, destroying half of the building. Firefighters expected to remain at the scene for the next 24 hours.
The exact cause of the fire was not immediately determined, and officials stated that it would be a few days before they could enter the damaged building to investigate. Billows of smoke rose over downtown Copenhagen, visible from southern Sweden across the water. Despite the extensive damage caused by the fire, there were no reports of casualties, and ambulances were on standby at the scene. A company spokesperson confirmed that all carpenters who had been working on renovating the building were safe. Additional security measures were implemented by deploying up to 90 members of an army unit to cordon off the area and safeguard valuables.
The Old Stock Exchange, renowned for its distinctive spire and Dutch Renaissance style, was undergoing renovations at the time of the fire, with the roof, masonry, sandstone, and spire all affected. The building had been encased in scaffolding, which tragically collapsed during the blaze. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and King Frederik expressed their sorrow over the destruction of the architectural heritage and irreplaceable cultural artifacts. Nearby structures were evacuated as a precaution, and road closures and traffic disruptions were reported in the surrounding area. Queen Margrethe’s birthday celebrations were also impacted by the fire, as planned performances were canceled.
The efforts to salvage paintings and valuables from the burning building were described as a national disaster, with many touched by the outpouring of support and assistance from the community. The Old Stock Exchange, located adjacent to Christiansborg Palace, is a popular tourist attraction and a significant piece of Danish history. The building’s spire, which reached a height of 184 feet and had a unique dragon-inspired design, was a symbol of Copenhagen’s architectural heritage. The destruction caused by the fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving historical landmarks and cultural artifacts for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.
