Vans' Massive New Flagship in DTLA Houses An Art Gallery and a Community Studio

After much anticipation (and patience!), Vans has finally stepped foot into Downtown L.A. The Costa Mesa-based company's massive 11,500-square-foot flagship officially opened yesterday next door to Urban Outfitters, bringing a two-story shoe and skate shop, art gallery, and community-minded studio to bustling Broadway.

The SoCal lifestyle brand tapped L.A. artist and designer Geoff McFetridge (who's also worked with Warby Parker) to create colorful murals throughout the store, which also features work by local painter Julien Besser and portraits of skate icons Anthony Acosta, Ray Barbee, Mike O'Meally, and Tino Razo. As far as merch, expect to find the brand's best-selling women's, men's, and kids slip-ons, Authentics, Era Old Skool sneakers, Sk8-Hi high tops, and other shoe silhouettes from its Classics, Pro Skate, Surf, Snow, and other collections.

Also on offer are clothing, bags, and accessories as well as a dedicated skate shop that stocks L.A.-based labels such as Alva, Baker, Girl, and WKND. Cool DTLA gallery and publisher These Days also curated a selection of zines and other publications inspired by L.A. culture, skate, and other lifestyle topics.

Up on the second floor, Vans' Studio808 gallery and lounge will showcase art exhibitions and host community events such as monthly panel discussions and free hands-on workshops in partnership with quarterly lifestyle magazine Monster Children. In addition, the brand is teaming with nonprofit organizations Good and Chrysalis to hire at-risk and previously homeless youth.

In a statement, Vans VP of Marketing, Americas, Carly Gomez, explains: "Downtown L.A. has a rich history of skate culture and artistic freedom. … Our Downtown LA store opening signifies a new Vans chapter as we continue our mission and commitment to being community and experience focused."

Studio808's programming schedule kicks off March 12; get more details here, then scroll through the gallery above to take a peek inside the cool DTLA skate haven.

Vans DTLA, 808 South Broadway, L.A., 90014; Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; (213) 239-0331