A fire broke out in one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings, the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange, causing the collapse of its iconic spire. Passersby rushed to help save priceless paintings and other valuables from the burning building. Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt praised the effort of those who lent a hand in saving art treasures. Brian Mikkelsen, chief of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, and his staff worked to save paintings that were carried to nearby buildings for safety. The fire started in the copper roof of the Old Stock Exchange and spread, destroying much of the building’s interior. Firefighters expect to be on the scene for the next 24 hours.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, with authorities unable to enter the building for investigation. Firefighters sprayed water into the building to try to stop the flames that were still not under control. The billowing smoke could be seen from southern Sweden. While there were no reports of casualties, ambulances were present at the scene. Up to 90 members of an army unit were deployed to cordon off the area and secure valuables. King Frederik expressed sadness on Instagram over the destruction of such an important part of Denmark’s architectural heritage.
The fire had devastating effects on the Old Stock Exchange, which was undergoing renovations at the time. The building’s roof, masonry, sandstone, and spire were damaged by the flames, causing the collapse of the scaffolding that surrounded it. The adjacent Christiansborg Palace has experienced past fires, but the Old Stock Exchange had survived unscathed until this incident. Police announced road closures and rerouted bus lines in the area, causing traffic jams. Queen Margrethe’s birthday celebrations were toned down because of the fire, with planned festivities outside the Fredensborg Castle being canceled.
The response to the fire was swift, with many people rushing to help save the artwork and valuables housed in the Old Stock Exchange. The effort to rescue paintings from the burning building was praised by officials and firefighters. The building’s historical significance as a tourist attraction and architectural gem was highlighted as a loss to Denmark’s cultural heritage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the extent of the damage. The collaborative effort to save the valuable artwork from the flames was a testament to the cultural significance of the Old Stock Exchange.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce, which owned the building, was actively involved in saving the paintings and other valuables, working alongside firefighters to salvage as much as possible from the burning structure. The involvement of army units in securing the area and protecting valuables highlighted the importance of the historical artifacts housed in the Old Stock Exchange. The outpouring of support and assistance from the community in response to the fire demonstrated the shared commitment to preserving Denmark’s cultural heritage. The devastating impact of the fire on the building and its contents underscored the need for continued vigilance in protecting important historical sites.
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the damage, the focus remains on salvaging what remains of the Old Stock Exchange and its valuable contents. The loss of such an iconic building and its historical significance is a reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage. Efforts to rebuild and preserve what can be saved from the fire will be ongoing, with the support of the community and officials working together. The restoration of the Old Stock Exchange will be a testament to the resilience and determination of those dedicated to preserving Denmark’s rich cultural legacy.
