FEBRUARY 22, 2025
What Will Børsen Look Like in the Future?
No one has been able to fully answer that question since King Christian IV’s iconic building was partially destroyed by fire on April 16, 2024. But as Brian Mikkelsen stated:
“The Børs must be rebuilt, no matter what!”
Now, we finally have an answer.
The vision for the building has been developed, and the team of architects who will bring it to life has been selected.
“It was a tragic event, but we’re pleased to say that the process of reimagining the building has gone very well. We believe we’ve managed to strike a balance between form and function,” says Brian Mikkelsen.
Before we get too excited, it's important to emphasize that this is still a vision, and several approval processes remain — including from Slots- og Kulturstyrelsen.
A New Entrance and a Grander Børs Hall
Visitors will enter through a new main entrance, located by the ramp near Christiansborg — the same location as the original entrance. This spot will once again become the natural gathering point.
Guests can look forward to a stunning first impression. When stepping through the entrance, the building will be opened up, allowing a view straight through the spectacular and elongated interior.
The Børs Hallway Will Be in Use in 2025
On the first floor, as an extension of the Børs Hall, new offices and meeting rooms will be established. This part of the building — which was damaged but not destroyed by the fire — is expected to be back in use by 2025, explains Brian Mikkelsen:
“It’s ambitious, but realistic. It’s important for our members and colleagues to return to Børsen. This building holds a significant part of our identity, and it's where Dansk Erhverv belongs.”
New Lunch Restaurant and Lounge Area
On the ground floor, the new offices will have direct access to the pavement. A new restaurant will also be built, where guests can enjoy art, atmosphere, and delicious food.
The New Roof
Much of the exterior work will continue the renovations that had already begun before the fire. The building’s façade will be restored using coal-fired red bricks, giving it a more authentic and historically accurate appearance.
The copper roof, which was also under renovation at the time of the fire, will be replaced — although much of the newly installed copper can still be reused.
Approximately 500 sandstone statues adorning the building will be restored or recreated and reinstalled.
“As part of the major restoration work, we had already developed a detailed plan for how Børsen should appear from the outside. The goal was always to return to its original expression — and that’s the plan we’re following,” says Brian Mikkelsen.
In addition to the main entrance, a secondary entrance for everyday use will be created on the east end of the building, facing Tietgen’s House.
The Dragons Will Return
For centuries, people passing Børsen have looked up at the iconic four dragons on the spire. They will do so again when Børsen reopens in 2029. The spire will be rebuilt to resemble the one originally constructed in 1776, explains Brian Mikkelsen.
Experienced Architects Will Bring the Vision to Life
Over the past six months, a visionary team of architects, historians, and art advisors has worked closely with Dansk Erhverv to develop the final vision for Børsen. The challenge has been to align the building’s historical potential with its function as a modern workplace.
Throughout this process, employees at Dansk Erhverv have provided input, and the final vision has been presented to the board.
Architectural firms with experience in historic buildings were invited to submit proposals showing how Dansk Erhverv’s vision could be realized. Following these presentations, VMB Architects and Praksis Architects were selected and will be responsible for the interior design and renovation.
“Rebuilding Børsen is a once-in-a-generation task, and I feel confident in the team we’ve assembled,” says Brian Mikkelsen.