SAN FRANCISCO – A giant new statue will be greeting visitors in front of the Ferry Building in San Francisco.

Thursday will mark the official unveiling of "R-Evolution" at Market and Steuart streets along the Embarcadero.

The 45-foot-tall statue has appeared at Burning Man and Las Vegas. Her message is women's empowerment, according to artist and Berkeley native Marco Cochrane.

San Francisco city leaders say the art installation is part of the effort to jazz up downtown.

To celebrate R-Evolution's arrival, a free event is being held from 5-8 p.m. with live music and a night market.

R-Evolution will live along the Embarcadero for six months.