The arch was originally constructed in 1913 to span the entrance of the Australian Mutual Provident Society's original Elizabeth Street building. When that building was demolished, AMP donated the arch to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. It was re-erected in 1968 in time for celebrations of the Gardens' 150th Anniversary.
The intricately carved stonework shows the skilled craftsmanship of Mr Amos Vimpany, a well known local stonemason of the time.