The Old Stock Exchange was built between 1619 and 1640, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. It also houses a vast collection of works of art, several hundred of which have been secured.
The stock exchange has repeatedly escaped fires that affected the surrounding area, notably in 1990. It has no longer hosted the capital's stock market activities since the 1970s. It is not open to the public but often hosts gala dinners and various events. The fire is reminiscent of that of Notre-Dame de Paris, says Danish King Frederik X in a statement, "an important part of our architectural heritage was and still is in flames." "It hurts the soul of the Danes, years of history are consumed in the flames," says Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.