In a significant step towards preserving Denmark's architectural heritage, King Frederik has initiated the reconstruction of Copenhagen's Old Stock Exchange, known as Børsen. The monarch placed a 60-kilogram sandstone block bearing his monogram into a red brick wall, marking the commencement of the rebuilding process for this 400-year-old landmark.
The Børsen, a symbol of Copenhagen's commercial history, suffered extensive damage during a fire on April 16, 2024. The blaze destroyed the building's distinctive green copper roof and its iconic dragon-tail spire, which stood 56 meters tall. Two days later, a substantial portion of the outer wall collapsed, further complicating restoration efforts.
Børsen, commissioned by King Christian IV in 1615, opened its doors in 1624 as a hub for trade and commerce. The building exemplifies Dutch Renaissance architecture in Denmark and has been a centerpiece of Copenhagen's skyline for four centuries. Its dragon spire, formed by the intertwined tails of four dragons, is said to have protected the building from enemy attacks and fire throughout its history.
The Danish Chamber of Commerce, which has owned the building since 1857, has committed to restoring Børsen to its former glory. The reconstruction plan involves using materials and methods similar to those employed in the original construction. This includes the procurement of 800,000 handmade bricks from Germany and the use of 800 to 1,000 trees from a Swedish Baltic Sea island.
"Today we are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Stock Exchange! And we mark that with the laying of the foundation stone by King Frederik, which is the start of a new chapter: The rebuilding of Boersen."
The fire at Børsen echoes the tragic incident at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in April 2019, prompting Danish authorities to review regulations for protecting historic buildings. Culture Minister Christina Egelund emphasized the need to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
During the fire, a remarkable rescue effort saved approximately 90% of the cultural objects housed in Børsen. These artifacts, along with salvaged building materials, are now stored in a warehouse northwest of Copenhagen, awaiting their return to the restored building.
The reconstruction of Børsen is expected to be a lengthy process, with no specific completion date set. The project faces numerous challenges, including the integration of modern safety standards while maintaining the building's historical integrity. The cost of the reconstruction has not been disclosed, but the Chamber of Commerce has committed to funding the project.
As work begins, the rebuilding of Børsen not only represents the restoration of a physical structure but also the preservation of Denmark's cultural and economic history. The project serves as a testament to the nation's commitment to safeguarding its architectural treasures for future generations.