Tragedy Strikes: Fire Engulfs Historic Børsen Building in Copenhagen
A devastating fire has ravaged Denmark's historic Børsen, the 17th-century old stock exchange building located in Copenhagen's city center. Spectators watched in horror as the iconic spire succumbed to the flames.
Fortunately, everyone inside the building managed to evacuate safely, while bystanders rushed to salvage some of its priceless paintings.
‼️ The historic Børsen Stock Exchange building, built in the 17th century, is on fire in #Copenhagen
The fire engulfed the building in the center of the Danish capital, built during the reign of Christian IV in 1619-1640. The stock exchange is considered a historical monument… pic.twitter.com/JHFBtPN2Kq
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) April 16, 2024
Source: Twitter/NEXTAnetflix
Loss of Cultural Heritage
Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt lamented the loss of 400 years of Danish cultural heritage due to the blaze. The Børsen, constructed in 1625, stands in close proximity to Denmark's parliament, the Folketing, situated within the former royal palace of Christiansborg Castle.
Reports indicate that the nearby square was evacuated as a precaution.
Renovations and Challenges
Currently undergoing renovations, the old stock exchange was enveloped in scaffolding and protective covering at the time of the fire. It currently serves as the headquarters for the Danish Chamber of Commerce, whose representatives described the scene as devastating.
Local craftsman Henrik Grage likened the tragedy to the fire that engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris almost exactly five years ago, labeling it "our Notre-Dame."
Rescue Efforts and Grief
Members of the public, alongside emergency responders and Chamber of Commerce Director Brian Mikkelsen, bravely entered the Børsen building to rescue its significant art collection.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed sorrow over the "terrible images" and the loss of a crucial piece of Danish history. Benjamin Asmussen, a local museum inspector, described the heart-wrenching scene on Denmark's TV2.
Impact on Danish Heritage
King Frederik X lamented the fire's impact on Denmark's cultural heritage, particularly mourning the loss of the Børsen's iconic dragon spire, which had become synonymous with Copenhagen.
The King succeeded Queen Margrethe II in January, and festivities planned for her 84th birthday on Tuesday were subdued due to the tragedy.
Historical Significance
Commissioned by Denmark's King Christian IV, the Børsen building epitomizes Dutch Renaissance architecture and was intended to elevate Copenhagen into a prominent trading hub.
Its distinctive spire, adorned with four dragons intertwined with three crowns representing Denmark's connections with Norway and Sweden, has long been a symbol of the city's identity.
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