The House of Vans is set to open its London connection in the very near future and it looks Gnarls Barkley! Undercover and free? You can’t front on that, can you?
To entice everyone into further states of excitement we have posted their press release and some sneak-peak images below to give an impression on how it’s going to shape up.
Enjoy and we’ll see you there August 9th!
“Building upon an unwavering commitment to creative expression, Vans is pleased to announce the opening of House of Vans London; a unique and participative space for all. As a city synonymous with creativity, diversity and opportunity, the project is proud to call London home. Open to all, and always free, this is your house.
Opening on August 9th and living within one of London’s most iconic spaces, House of Vans London champions creativity and community. Following in the footsteps of House of Vans Brooklyn, yet forging a path of its own, the 3,000sqm venue provides a space like no other; a place for creativity. The music venue, gallery, artist labs, café, cinema, bars and skatepark lay beneath London’s Waterloo Station, occupying the infamous Old Vic Tunnels.
The permanent venue will not only exhibit art, but also nurture artistic talent from across the globe. Four studios in Tunnel #2 will be made available to both emerging and established artists, free of charge, with the opportunity to exhibit in the space at the end of their tenancy. Artists in residence will also hold workshops for the local community from the local community and beyond. An 850 person capacity gig space in Tunnel #3 upholds a rich heritage in music, and through free ticketing, live streamed events and crowd-sourced event curation, it provides truly open music platform.
Two tunnels are dedicated to London’s only permanent indoor skatepark. Tunnel #5 brings together a street course and miniramp section, allowing for creative lines whilst catering for all abilities. The deep concrete bowl in Tunnel #4 raises the game for pool-style skateboarding, and is sure to become a proving ground for bowl riders. Elsewhere a café, bars and cinema space provide an opportunity to refuel and relax.
“The House of Vans London is the physical manifestation of the cultures and creativity at the heart of the Vans brand. London is the perfect city to expand this original concept first established in Brooklyn and it’s an honour to take over this iconic venue from the Old Vic. We’re looking forward to building on this legacy, working closely with the local communities and key stakeholders involved in the project.” said Jeremy de Maillard, VP of Marketing.
House of Vans London will be open five days a week to everyone in this great city, locals and visitors alike. The space will also host a variety of events and workshops, engaging and bringing opportunity to creative minds in London. As part of House of Vans commitment to community, the project is proud to be affiliated with three charity partners: Old Vic New Voices, Railway Children and Action for Children. “