Arch 22, Triumphal arch in Banjul, Gambia
Arch 22 is a neoclassical structure that spans Independence Drive, supported by eight fluted Doric columns rising roughly 35 meters high. The hollow archway creates a distinctive gateway through the city center, with a hollow pediment crowning the columns above.
The structure was built in 1996 to commemorate the military coup of July 22, 1994, when President Yahya Jammeh came to power. The date embedded in its name reflects this pivotal moment in the country's recent past.
The ethnographic museum housed inside displays traditional farming implements, woven textiles, and locally crafted weapons that reflect regional practices across the country. These objects tell the story of how people worked and lived in their communities throughout history.
Internal staircases lead visitors up to an upper level where a cafe and viewing platform are located. From here, you can look out toward Banjul, the River Gambia, and the Tanbi mangrove areas beyond.
Gilded statues of musicians stand on white pedestals around the arch, while a statue of a soldier holding a baby occupies a central roundabout nearby. These figurative artworks often go unnoticed by passersby who focus mainly on the grand columns above.
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