A devastating fire has ravaged one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings, the Old Stock Exchange, sending emergency crews rushing to the scene as thick smoke billowed into the sky. The fire consumed the building’s iconic spire, which tragically collapsed into the roof, echoing scenes from the Notre-Dame cathedral blaze in Paris in 2019.
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries, but images circulating on social media showed artwork being removed from the historic building, which dates back to 1625. Situated next to the Danish parliament, the Old Stock Exchange was undergoing renovations when the fire broke out. The building, known as Borsen in Danish, featured a 56m spire shaped by the intertwined tails of four dragons and was a popular venue for gala dinners, conferences, and events, although it was not open to the public.
Denmark’s culture minister expressed sorrow over the loss of 400 years of cultural heritage in the fire, while passersby were commended for assisting emergency workers in saving art treasures from the burning building. The Chamber of Commerce described the scene as “terrible,” and Copenhagen police evacuated nearby buildings, including the finance ministry, as a precaution. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the area is expected to be cordoned off for some time as investigations continue.