Copenhagen’s mayor Sophie Hæstorp Andersen reached out to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo for advice on how to handle the reconstruction of the city’s Old Stock Exchange building, which was devastated by a fire. The Chamber of Commerce, which owns the building, is eager to see it reconstructed but funding and logistical details are still being worked out. Hidalgo provided insights on how to quickly mobilize resources and donations for the rebuilding process, drawing from the experience of Notre Dame cathedral’s restoration in Paris after a fire in 2019.
Efforts to stabilize the building are ongoing, with firefighters still at the scene days after the blaze. The cause of the fire is still unknown, as police have not been able to enter the burned part of the building for investigation. Concrete containers have been erected around the Old Stock Exchange to support its unstable walls. Plans are in place to remove the burned parts from inside the building with a crane. The building’s copper roof collapsed during the fire, and firefighters are still working to extinguish smoldering embers inside.
The Old Stock Exchange is a historically significant building with a green copper roof and a unique spire shaped like dragon tails. It is located next to the Danish parliament and is considered an architectural gem in the Dutch Renaissance style. The building housed valuable artworks and treasures, many of which were saved during the fire by passers-by, Chamber of Commerce staff, and emergency responders. The 1895 painting “From Copenhagen Stock Exchange” by Danish artist P.S. Krøyer was among the rescued items.
The rebuilding process for Boersen, as the stock exchange building is known in Danish, presents a significant challenge but Mayor Andersen is optimistic that it can be done quickly with the support of the Danish Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce is eager to see the building restored to its former glory. Streets surrounding the Old Stock Exchange will remain closed until the building is stabilized and deemed safe. The fire department expects to be working at the scene for at least another day to ensure the safety of the structure and surrounding areas.
The Danish team has been invited to meet with the experts behind the rebuilding of Notre Dame’s spire, offering valuable insights and collaboration opportunities. The reconstruction of Boersen will require substantial financial investment, but with the support of the community and government entities, the project is expected to move forward swiftly. The collaborative effort between Copenhagen and Paris may set a precedent for how historic buildings can be restored and preserved in the face of unexpected disasters. The resilience and determination of the Danish people to rebuild their cultural heritage are evident in the aftermath of the devastating fire.
