Denmark’s King Frederik recently participated in a significant event by laying a foundation stone to signify the commencement of the reconstruction of Copenhagen’s renowned Old Stock Exchange. The historic landmark, which is over 400 years old and suffered partial destruction due to a fire in April, is undergoing restoration. The King placed a square sandstone with his monogram into a red brick wall on a corner of the Old Stock Exchange to officially kickstart the reconstruction process.
The devastating blaze on April 16 ravaged the building known as Boersen, causing the collapse of its distinctive green copper roof and iconic dragon-tail spire. Cleanup operations at the site lasted several months, requiring the removal of approximately 1,000 tons of debris. Despite the fire’s destruction, about 45% of the Old Stock Exchange structure remains standing, thanks to an old firewall that prevented the flames from spreading.
The Old Stock Exchange, considered a prime example of the Dutch Renaissance architectural style in Denmark, was established in 1624 as a trading venue. The Chamber of Commerce of Denmark, the building’s proprietor, aims to restore it to its former glory using original construction materials, maintaining its historical significance.
The restoration plans changed course in the wake of the fire, which occurred just ahead of the building’s anticipated anniversary celebrations. Brian Mikkelsen, the Chamber of Commerce’s head, marked the significance of the occasion with King Frederik’s symbolic act of laying the foundation stone as a new chapter in the Old Stock Exchange’s history.
The reconstruction project is anticipated to span several years, with no specific completion date or cost estimates disclosed yet. The Chamber of Commerce has pledged to cover the expenses for the restoration efforts. Efforts to salvage cultural artifacts and building components during the fire have been largely successful, with around 90% of the objects rescued and stored in a modern warehouse near Copenhagen for safekeeping.
To rebuild the Old Stock Exchange, approximately 800,000 handmade bricks have been sourced from Germany, while between 800 and 1,000 trees from a Swedish Baltic Sea island are slated for use in the reconstruction process. Following the tragic fire incident, Danish authorities have announced a review of existing regulations to enhance the protection of historic structures, echoing concerns raised in the aftermath of the 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris.
While the cause of the fire that engulfed the Old Stock Exchange has not been officially determined, it is believed to have originated from the building’s roof, which was undergoing renovation work in preparation for the anniversary celebrations in 2024. The reconstruction of this architectural gem signifies a commitment to preserving Denmark’s rich cultural heritage and ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.