King Frederik marks reconstruction of Copenhagen's Old Stock Exchange

In the early hours of April 16, a fire broke out at Copenhagen's Old Stock Exchange, known as Boersen, resulting in extensive damage to the historic structure. The blaze caused the iconic green copper roof and dragon-tail spire to collapse, and two days later, a significant portion of the outer wall fell inward. Cleanup efforts took months, with approximately 1,000 tons of debris removed from the site. Fortunately, around 90% of the cultural artifacts were saved during the fire, thanks to the efforts of local citizens and authorities. On Thursday, Denmark's King Frederik laid a foundation stone to officially commence the reconstruction of the landmark, coinciding with its 400th anniversary. The Chamber of Commerce, which owns the building, has expressed a commitment to restoring it to its former glory, utilizing the same materials that were originally used in its construction. Currently, only about 45% of the structure remains standing, and the rebuilding process is expected to take several years, with no specific completion date announced. The Danish government is also reviewing current regulations to ensure better protection for historic buildings, as the cause of the fire remains under investigation. It is believed that the fire started on the roof, which was undergoing renovations in preparation for the anniversary celebrations in 2024. The incident has drawn comparisons to the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 2019, highlighting the vulnerability of historic sites. As part of the reconstruction, the Chamber of Commerce plans to reuse salvaged materials, including bricks and stones, while also sourcing new handmade bricks from Germany and timber from Sweden. The aim is to ensure that the rebuilding process honors the historical significance of the Old Stock Exchange while preventing similar tragedies in the future.