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Copenhagen Stock Exchange reconstruction draws on Notre-Dame fire lessons

cultural-heritage · 2026-07-30

The restoration of the 400-year-old Copenhagen Stock Exchange, which suffered fire damage on 16 April 2024, draws inspiration from the Notre-Dame restoration. The blaze consumed more than half of the building, including its roof and spire. The Danish Chamber of Commerce is partnering with architectural firms Leif Hansen and Praksis for the project. They are utilizing 886 pine trees from the former realm of King Christian IV and intend to create 800,000 handmade bricks. Copper remnants are being recycled in Finland. The budget, which remains undisclosed, is primarily covered by insurance, along with DKK200m (£23.1m) from Danish foundations. The exchange is expected to reopen in 2029, with 98% of artworks saved and new fire suppression measures, including fire walls. A baby water dragon sculpture will safeguard the building until 2029.

Key facts

  • Fire at Copenhagen Stock Exchange on 16 April 2024 destroyed over half the building, including copper roof and dragon-tail spire.
  • 30,000 Danes gathered to watch the fire; many were crying.
  • 98% of artworks were saved, including Peder Severin Krøyer's painting 'From Copenhagen Stock Exchange' (1895).
  • A marble bust of C. F. Tietgen was damaged; a zinc statue of King Christian IV was destroyed.
  • Reconstruction budget undisclosed; insurance and Danish foundations (DKK200m) fund it.
  • 886 pine trees sourced from former kingdom of King Christian IV, including Gotland, Sweden.
  • 800,000 handmade bricks planned; copper debris recycled in Finland.
  • Architectural firms Leif Hansen and Praksis oversee reconstruction; aim to reopen in 2029.
  • Lessons from Notre-Dame fire: make a clear plan, communicate, source materials immediately.
  • Denmark signed cooperation agreement with France in 2025; aims to rebuild faster than five years.
  • New fire walls will divide building into sections; baby water dragon sculpture to protect until 2029.

Entities

Artists

  • Peder Severin Krøyer
  • King Christian IV
  • C. F. Tietgen

Institutions

  • Danish Chamber of Commerce
  • Leif Hansen
  • Praksis
  • National Museum of Denmark
  • Royal Life Guards
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral

Locations

  • Copenhagen
  • Denmark
  • Paris
  • France
  • Gotland
  • Sweden
  • Thyholm
  • Finland

Sources