Completed with its iconic spire in 1625, The Old Stock Exchange (Børsen) is one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings. On 16 April 2024, Børsen was devastated by a fire, and today the reconstruction of this historic landmark is well underway. You can experience the rebuilding process up close at the Together for Børsen Visitor Centre.

History

King Christian IV had realized the importance of increased trade and commerce, and so he had this grand building erected. At that time, the building had room for at least 40 market stalls. The Old Stock Exchange was then surrounded by water from three sides, so ships could unload their cargo directly at the wharf in front.

Making cannon balls from the roof

The Old Stock Exchange was built in Dutch Renaissance style. King Christian IV had originally covered the roof with lead, but during the Swedish occupation of Copenhagen 1658-59, much of this lead was removed to produce cannon balls, and the holes in the roof were only partly covered with tin and tile.

At the end of the 19th century was the building roofed with copper, as you see it today.

The four intertwined dragon tails of the dragon spire are topped by three crowns, symbolizing the Scandinavian empire – Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

The legend of the spire

According to legend, the dragon-tailed spire guards the building against enemy attacks and fires. Is it true? Well, surprisingly, the Old Stock Exchange has many times been mysteriously spared from damage when fires have broken out in neighbouring buildings.

Christiansborg Palace (the present day Danish Parliament) has burnt down on several occasions, and even recently in 1990, a fire broke out in the Proviantgaarden in Slotsholmsgade (Slotholm Street). On this occasion, as before, the Old Stock Exchange survived unscathed.

Together for Børsen Visitor Centre

It is now possible to visit the Børsen Visitor Centre, where you can follow the progress of the reconstruction and explore 400 years of history surrounding King Christian IV’s iconic Stock Exchange building. Through panoramic windows at first-floor level, you can look out over the construction site and experience the rebuilding process up close.

Admission is free. The visitor centre is open on weekdays from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and on weekends and public holidays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note that occasional extraordinary closure days may occur, so be sure to check the visitor centre’s website before your visit. You can find the opening hours here.