There's nothing subtle about the work of Ai Weiwei, the internationally known Chinese political dissident and artist who designed the striking exhibition titled "@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz," opening Saturday and running through April 26. His comment on freedom of expression and human rights -- through images of political prisoners captured here in one of the world's most infamous lockups -- echo loudly, like the clank of cellblock doors.

On September 27th visitors to Alcatraz Island will get an extra element to explore, an art exhibit by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz. The exhibit explores human rights and freedom of expression in seven site-specific installations in four locations, some areas not usually open to the public, throughout the island.

Alcatraz Island, which hosted its last inmate 50 years ago today, was also home to prison workers and their families who returned to the island this morning to mark the anniversary and recount their lives there.

Muir Beach will be once again open to the public after undergoing a six-month, $4 million revamp.

A state-of-the-art visitor's center will open this weekend at Lands end in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Tickets to "@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz" will go on sale June 27. The show, which will feature seven site-specific installations by the Chinese conceptual artist and political activist Ai Weiwei, opens Sept. 27.

What a difference a year makes. Last September, all eyes were on the bay for the America's Cup, starring Larry Ellison. This year, we're casting our glances in the same direction to Alcatraz, for the exhibition of the dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei.

Alcatraz has more stories than its dark past as America's most feared prison. One part of its history is the Indian occupation from the winter of 1969 to the spring of 1971, when a band of American Indians seized the island after the prison closed. They hoped to turn it into an Indian cultural center, or perhaps a small university devoted to native studies.

Thursday is a red-letter day in the history of Alcatraz Island - the 50th anniversary of the day the prison closed. It was the end of one era and the beginning of another.

The largest cash gift in national parks history is intended to be the catalyst to create 10 acres of parkland connecting the heart of the Presidio to Crissy Field and the bay.