The building, a prime example of the Dutch Renaissance style in Denmark, was not only a hub for financial activity until 1974 but also a symbol of Copenhagen’s historical mercantile prominence.

This tragic event echoes other historic fires that have not only altered cityscapes but also left indelible marks on cultural heritage globally. The damage extends beyond the physical as these landmarks represent collective memory and identity. Restoration efforts, where possible, are often complex and costly, and the original charm and authenticity can be difficult to fully recover.

Here are ten notable fires that have ravaged historic landmarks around the world:

A fire broke out beneath the roof of the iconic 12th-century cathedral, causing significant damage, including the collapse of its central spire. This event drew worldwide attention to the challenges of preserving ancient structures.

Fire consumed Brazil’s 200-year-old museum, which housed over 20 million items, including artifacts from Egypt, Greco-Roman art, and the oldest human fossil found in Brazil.

A major fire damaged more than 100 rooms, including nine State Rooms. The restoration took five years, showcasing a remarkable effort in preserving historical integrity.

Fires in 2014 and again in 2018 devastated this architectural masterpiece by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, leading to ongoing debates about the feasibility and approach to its restoration.

A significant cultural asset in Okinawa, originally a palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, was almost completely destroyed in a fire. Efforts to rebuild are underway, highlighting the resilience of cultural heritage.

The original Centre Block was destroyed by fire, resulting in the loss of much of the early Canadian parliamentary records, and led to the construction of the present-day Gothic revival structure.

After its destruction, the Royal Opera House remained an open-air theater, known as Pjazza Teatru Rjal, demonstrating adaptive reuse following cultural loss.

Fire devastated this 17th-century country house, which was later meticulously restored by the National Trust, reflecting the dedication to preserving heritage.

Though not destroyed, this historic clipper ship suffered extensive damage from a fire during conservation works. It has since been restored and remains a popular visitor attraction.

Destroyed by fire but painstakingly reconstructed to match the original as closely as possible, the opera house reopened in 2003, underscoring the artistic and cultural value of historic theaters.