The structure was built to commemorate the military coup of 22 July 1994 of the former president Yahya Jammeh to take control from the then-president Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.

Arch 22 is the tallest structure in The Gambia. It is a hollow pediment with eight massive pillars supporting it, stretching through three floors. It has an upper-level central bridge that has a restaurant, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole capital city and parts of the Tanbi mangrove swamp while feeling a refreshing breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. On the same floor, there is a museum displaying Gambian artwork. The third floor also has a small museum, which can be accessed using a spiral staircase.

Today, there are still ongoing investigations of human rights violations under the regime of Yahya Jammeh. Many people feel his rule was a hurtful stain in the history of independent Gambia. The third-floor museum is about the coup d’état is now being renovated. It will soon open its doors, portraying a new exhibition. The second floor will host a collection of art pieces by Gambian painters. The bar and restaurant on the same floor will soon open again, as well as the gift shop.