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Børsen

Copenhagen 1640 – Reconstructing the City of Christian IV.

The Challenge

What did Copenhagen look like in 1640, during the reign of Christian IV?

To bring this period of the city's history to life, we set out to reconstruct its historic urban environment through detailed 3D modelling and animation. The project involved researching and recreating significant buildings, streets and architectural details based on archival material, historical maps and engravings.

A particular challenge was reconstructing Børsen as it originally stood, including its historic trading hall, Kræmmersalen. This required combining historical research with new evidence and insights emerging from the ongoing restoration of the building.

Our Approach

We combined historical research, 3D scanning and digital reconstruction to build a detailed 3D environment of Copenhagen in 1640.

The work included recreating 15 listed historic building reconstructions, including churches, fortifications, bridges and other significant landmarks. Alongside these unique structures, we developed 120 variations of houses and 60 variations of men and women to create a convincing sense of a living city.

To establish the visual narrative and atmosphere of the experience, we teamed up with creative producer Lakstein Fernandes. His vision for how to enter and explore Copenhagen in the 17th century helped shape the environment and animation, creating a dramatic, story-rich universe that feels alive and realistic. This creative direction formed the foundation for how the city was brought to life on screen.

Researching the city of Copenhagen through extensive archival materials and sources

Kiöbenhaffn Hafnia 1642 af Resen, Peder Hansen (1625-1688) Husman, Johan

Recon-
structing Børsen

To reconstruct Børsen, we 3D-scanned surviving sections of the historic building. The façade statues were particularly important, providing detailed references for recreating architectural elements that could no longer be studied in their original context.

For the reconstruction of Kræmmersalen, we worked closely with the architects involved in Børsen's restoration. Through dialogue and the exchange of knowledge, we incorporated the latest research and new evidence uncovered during the restoration. This allowed us to reconstruct the hall based on an updated understanding of its original architecture and appearance during Christian IV's reign.

The Solution

The result is a five-minute 3D animated film that takes the viewer into Copenhagen as it might have looked in 1640.

The reconstruction brings together five distinct areas of the city, creating a shared environment in which architecture, urban life and trade can be experienced in context.

Alongside the city reconstruction, we created a new visual interpretation of Kræmmersalen as it originally stood during Christian IV's reign. Based on the latest research and evidence from the restoration, this presents a version of Børsen's historic trading hall that has never been seen before.

The film and reconstructions form part of Dansk Erhverv's exhibition and visitor experience, Sammen om Børsen.

Project at a glance

15 listed historic building reconstructions
120 variations of houses
60 variations of men and women
5 reconstructed areas of Copenhagen
5 minutes of 3D animation
More than 25 million triangles in the Copenhagen scene
3D scanning of surviving sections of Børsen, including façade statues

Project Partners

Dansk Erhverv
Studio Rævling

Creative Producer

Lakstein Fernandes

Project Period

May 2025 – January 2026

Visit the Exhibition

The film can be experienced at Sammen om Børsen, Dansk Erhverv's free public visitor centre, located beneath the large white site cover surrounding Børsen's restoration site in central Copenhagen.

The exhibition explores Børsen's 400-year history, architecture, materials and craftsmanship. Visitors can also experience our visual reconstruction of Copenhagen in 1640 and see how Børsen and its original trading hall may have looked during Christian IV's reign.

Admission is free.

The visitor centre is at the corner of Børggade and Slotsholmsgade, by the statue of Christian IV opposite Christiansborg Palace Square.

The exhibition is self-guided and unstaffed. Doors open automatically during opening hours. Check for possible changes before visiting.

Find visitor information and practical details at Sammen om Børsen.