One of Copenhagen’s most famous buildings is burning: the historic stock exchange. The top of the tower collapsed and valuable works of art were saved. A minister speaks of Denmark’s “Notre Dame moment”.
The historic stock exchange in Copenhagen is on fire. The spire of the building – one of the oldest and most famous in the Danish capital – has collapsed, as have parts of the roof. According to the fire department, the fire has now engulfed around half of the building.
The fire is not yet under control. Even hours after the eruption, smoke continues to rise and flames blaze. Around 120 firefighters and 60 helpers from the armed forces are on duty. Several streets and the surrounding area were cordoned off, the police said.
The building is currently scaffolded because it has been restored.
Thick black smoke billowed from the building near Parliament in the morning. Helpers were still trying to save historical paintings. Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said it was touching that even passers-by rushed to help the emergency services rescue art objects.
The old stock exchange houses a large art collection, including the work “From the Copenhagen Stock Exchange” by PS Kroyer, which was carried away by several people during the fire. Police, fire brigade and ambulance were on site, but there is currently no information about any injuries.
Firefighters leave the main entrance of the Alte Börse. About 120 of them are in use.
“Our own Notre Dame moment”
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen compared the fire to the devastating fire at Notre-Dame. He wrote on X: “Terrible pictures from Borsen. So sad. An iconic building that means a lot to all of us. Our own Notre Dame moment.” A fire broke out in the Paris cathedral almost exactly five years ago – on April 15, 2019. The roof was almost completely destroyed.
Building is currently being restored
The cause of the fire in Copenhagen is still unclear. The stock exchange was completed in 1625 and is now the headquarters of the Danish Chamber of Commerce. The tower, which depicts four intertwined dragon tails, is considered a landmark of the city and a tourist attraction.
The building is currently being restored and is therefore equipped with scaffolding. The restoration is intended to correct an improper renovation of the building in the 19th century and restore the facade to its original appearance.
The iconic spire of the Old Stock Exchange, Copenhagen’s landmark and tourist attraction, has collapsed.
Ministry of Finance and parts of the castle were evacuated
Because of the fire, the Danish Ministry of Finance and a wing of Christiansborg Palace were evacuated. Several MPs and journalists have their offices there. The meetings in the plenary hall and the committee meetings should initially take place in Christiansborg as planned.
Copenhagen police expect the area to remain cordoned off for a long period of time. Unnecessarily leaving the city center is not recommended due to the massive traffic problems.