Fire Engulfs Copenhagen’s 17th-Century Old Stock Exchange: A Tragic Loss

On April 16, 2024, a devastating fire tore through one of Copenhagen’s most cherished landmarks—the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange. This iconic building, known locally as Boersen, stood as a testament to Danish history and architectural grandeur. Now, its once-proud spire lies in ruins, leaving the nation mourning the loss of irreplaceable cultural heritage.

The fire began innocuously enough, sparked during renovations on the building’s roof. But what followed was a catastrophic blaze that consumed about half of the Old Stock Exchange. The red-brick structure, adorned with a green copper roof, had stood tall for centuries. Its 56-meter (184-foot) spire, shaped like four intertwined dragon tails, was a sight to behold—a beacon for tourists and locals alike.

As flames engulfed the spire, passersby rushed to aid emergency services. Their mission: to save priceless paintings and other valuables housed within the historic walls. Bells tolled, sirens wailed, and smoke billowed over downtown Copenhagen. Even across the narrow waterway, southern Sweden bore witness to the tragedy.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her anguish on Instagram, acknowledging that a piece of Danish history was ablaze. The Old Stock Exchange, adjacent to Denmark’s parliament at Christiansborg Palace, had hosted gala dinners, conferences, and art exhibitions. Now, it was shrouded in scaffolding, its gilded hall threatened by the inferno.

Amidst the chaos, heroes emerged. A man abandoned his bicycle to assist as soon as the fire broke out. Members of the public joined first responders, carrying massive works of art to safety. Among the treasures rescued was a monumental painting by Danish artist P.S. Krøyer, titled “From Copenhagen Stock Exchange.” The fate of other artworks remains uncertain, but the spirit of preservation prevailed.

Brian Mikkelsen, chief of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, which owns the building, flipped through a binder of photos, identifying paintings to save. Crowbars and determination were their tools as they salvaged what they could. Mikkelsen’s voice trembled as he addressed reporters: “It is a national disaster.”

Today, as the smoke clears and the ashes settle, we mourn the loss of a historic gem. The Old Stock Exchange’s spire may be gone, but its legacy endures—a reminder that even in tragedy, the human spirit rallies to protect what matters most.