The historic stock exchange building in Copenhagen, known as the Borsen, was engulfed in flames on Tuesday, leaving residents in horror as the 400-year-old structure faced destruction. The building’s iconic 180-foot spire, shaped like four entwined dragon tails, collapsed as massive plumes of black smoke billowed from the scene.
Fortunately, everyone inside the building was able to evacuate safely, but the loss of the architectural heritage was deeply felt by the community. King Frederik X expressed his sadness on Instagram, calling the fire a tragedy for Copenhagen’s identity as the “city of towers.”
Efforts were made to save the extensive collection of historic artwork housed in the building, with people rushing in to help and the National Museum sending employees to assist in the evacuation. Danish Chamber of Commerce chief Brian Mikkelsen described the situation as a national disaster, as valuable artworks were carefully removed from the building.
The cause of the fire was not immediately clear, but the blaze, which started in the copper roof of the building, quickly spread to several floors. The ongoing renovation of the Borsen, scheduled to coincide with the building’s 400th anniversary, was aimed at correcting mistakes made in a previous restoration in 1883.
The incident was likened to Denmark’s “Notre Dame moment” by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, drawing parallels to the devastating fire at the Paris cathedral five years ago. The Borsen, commissioned by King Christian IV, has been a symbol of Danish cultural heritage and history, with its unique dragon spire standing as a testament to the building’s significance in Copenhagen’s skyline.
