The City of Torrance has announced a new public art installation coming soon to the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance South Bay featuring internationally recognized muralist Robert Vargas.
Known for his large-scale, iconic works across Los Angeles and abroad, including the Shohei Ohtani mural in Little Tokyo, Vargas will bring his signature style to Torrance with a dynamic mural celebrating the love of Dodgers baseball, international connections, and some of the franchise’s most popular athletes.
The Torrance City Council approved the project unanimously at its meeting on Feb. 10.
“The mural will highlight the meaningful connection between baseball, Japan, and the Torrance community, a city proud of its rich Japanese American heritage, a more than 50-year relationship with Kashiwa, Japan, and recent friendship city relationships with Oshu [Iwate Prefecture] and Bizen, [Okayama Prefecture], the hometowns of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto,” according to a statement from the city. “With the Dodgers’ deep ties to fans across the globe, the artwork will reflect both local pride and the global power of sports to unite communities.”
“This is more than a mural, it’s a celebration of who we are as a city.” said Torrance Mayor George K. Chen. “Welcoming an artist of Robert Vargas’ caliber to Torrance is a major milestone. This project has incredible potential to energize our economic landscape, increase tourism, and further establish Torrance as a cultural destination in the South Bay.”
Vargas’ new Dodgers mural will grace the facade of the DoubleTree by Hilton Torrance South Bay.
Vargas recently created an Ohtani mural in the two-way player’s hometown.
The Torrance mural, to be installed at 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., is expected to become a prominent visual landmark along the Hawthorne Boulevard corridor, attracting residents and visitors alike. Installation details and a public unveiling event will be announced in the coming weeks.