Avoiding tourists and their go-to spots is practically a precursor for San Francisco residency. But in the process of dodging out-of-towners, we often miss out on some of the beloved cultural gems that bring these tourists to our fair city. Case in point? Alcatraz. The visionaries at For-Site have given us the recently acclaimed @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz, the perfect excuse to hop on a ferry and head to the notorious prison of yesteryear.

Chinese artist and visionary Ai Weiwei is internationally recognized and revered for creating work that seamlessly blends art and activism. His most recent installation, which remains on view through April 26, uses the backdrop of the infamous prison to explore issues of human rights, punishment, and the loss of freedom. Setting the exhibition in one of the nation's most legendary penetentiaries was no happenstance—after voicing criticism about his nation's government, Chinese authorities detained Weiwei for 81 days in 2011. Still banned from traveling outside of China, the artist has been forbidden from traveling to Alcatraz to see his most recent work on display.

And what a work it is. Allowing visitors to explore parts of the prison never before open to the public, @Large features, among other things, an enormous rainbow dragon, 175 Lego models of prisoners of conscience, and sound-based pieces hearkening back to the old days on the Rock. Although this jaw-dropping exhibit was first conceived in 2012, it came to fruition in only nine months under the direction of Cheryl Haines, renowned For-Site executive director (and 2014 Hot 20 member). 

With 2014 soon drawing to a close, this is one excursion that deserves a place at the very top of your annual bucket list. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable experience. // aiweiweialcatraz.org