King Frederik of Denmark laid a foundation stone to mark the official start of the reconstruction of Copenhagen’s Old Stock Exchange, a 400-year-old landmark that was damaged by a fire in April. The blaze tore through the building, collapsing its roof and iconic spire, leading to months of cleanup as 1,000 tons of debris had to be removed. The Chamber of Commerce, the building’s owner, plans to reconstruct it using the same materials as when it was first built in the Dutch Renaissance style.
Initial plans to celebrate the building’s 400th anniversary with festivities were changed due to the fire, with only about 45% of the Old Stock Exchange still standing. Despite the damage, an old firewall prevented the blaze from spreading further. The reconstruction is expected to take several years with no specific end date or cost details announced yet. The owner has committed to covering the expenses, and efforts are being made to salvage and reuse as many original elements of the building as possible.
Many cultural objects were rescued from the fire by ordinary citizens who helped authorities during the blaze. These artifacts are currently stored in a modern warehouse, along with salvaged stones, bricks, and wall parts. The Chamber of Commerce has ordered 800,000 handmade bricks from Germany and plans to use trees from a Swedish Baltic Sea island in the reconstruction process. The Danish government has also announced plans to assess current regulations to protect historic buildings and prevent future tragedies like the fire at the Old Stock Exchange.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined by Danish authorities, but it is believed to have started on the building’s roof, which was undergoing renovation work at the time. The fire drew comparisons to the 2019 blaze at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, highlighting the vulnerability of historic structures to such disasters. Despite the challenges, the reconstruction of the Old Stock Exchange is seen as a way to preserve Denmark’s cultural heritage and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the reconstruction begins, there is a sense of optimism and determination to restore the Old Stock Exchange to its former glory. The laying of the foundation stone by King Frederik marks the start of a new chapter in the building’s history, with a focus on honoring its historical significance and architectural beauty. The project represents a collaboration between government authorities, the Chamber of Commerce, and the local community to ensure the successful restoration of this iconic landmark for future generations to enjoy. The rebuilding process will be a long and meticulous one, but the commitment to preserving Denmark’s rich cultural heritage remains unwavering.
