Denmark's King Frederik recently laid a foundation stone to mark the beginning of the reconstruction of Copenhagen's historic Old Stock Exchange. The 400-year-old landmark suffered significant damage in a fire that occurred in April, causing the collapse of its green copper roof and iconic dragon-tail spire.
The Old Stock Exchange, known as Boersen in Danish, is considered a prime example of Dutch Renaissance architecture in Denmark. Originally opened in 1624 as a trading hub, the building has a rich history and cultural significance.
Following the fire, efforts to clean up the site were extensive, with approximately 1,000 tons of debris needing to be removed. Despite the damage, an old firewall prevented the blaze from spreading further, saving around 90% of the cultural objects housed within the building.
The reconstruction plans aim to restore the Old Stock Exchange to its former glory, using the same materials and design elements as when it was first built. The Chamber of Commerce, which owns the building, has committed to covering the costs of the project.
To facilitate the reconstruction, 800,000 handmade bricks have been ordered from Germany, and between 800 and 1,000 trees from a Swedish Baltic Sea island will be utilized in the process. Additionally, salvaged sculpted stones, bricks, and wall parts will be repurposed to maintain the historical integrity of the structure.
While the exact timeline for the reconstruction remains uncertain, the Danish government has pledged to support the project. Culture Minister Christina Egelund emphasized the importance of safeguarding historic buildings and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The cause of the fire at the Old Stock Exchange has yet to be determined, but authorities suspect it originated on the building's roof, which was undergoing renovation work at the time. The incident draws parallels to the 2019 fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, underscoring the vulnerability of historic landmarks to such disasters.
