Baltic Exchange (building)

Baltic Exchange
The main building of the Baltic Exchange after its completion in 1903
Interactive map of the Baltic Exchange area
General information
StatusDemolished
TypeOffice
LocationSt Mary Axe
London, EC3
Coordinates51°30′53″N 0°04′51″W / 51.5146°N 0.0807°W / 51.5146; -0.0807
Completed1903
Destroyed10 April 1992
Design and construction
ArchitectsSmith and Wimble
Main contractorGeorge Trollope & Sons

The Baltic Exchange was an important listed building and historic landmark at 24–28 St Mary Axe in the City of London, occupied by the Baltic Exchange, a market for shipping, marine insurance, and information on maritime transportation. The building was known to some British architectural historians for its cathedral-like trading hall and the Baltic Exchange Memorial Glass, a stained glass war memorial.

It was severely damaged by an IRA bomb on 10 April 1992 and, despite objections from architectural conservationists, was demolished with permission from the planning minister John Prescott to make way for the site now occupied by 30 St Mary Axe ("The Gherkin"). The stained glass, which had only suffered superficial damage in the bomb blast, has been restored and can be seen at the National Maritime Museum.