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In May 2025, when the spirit of resistance floods the streets of Ukrainian cities, and the diaspora from New York to Sydney dons colorful shirts, the world celebrates Vyshyvanka Day — a holiday that has become an anthem of national pride, resilience, and love for Ukraine. This day, which falls every year on the third Thursday of May, is not just a tribute to traditional clothing but a powerful symbol of cultural heritage that unites Ukrainians in their fight for freedom and identity, especially in the context of the war with Russia. Origins of Vyshyvanka: from antiquity to modern times Vyshyvanka is not just clothing but a code of the nation, woven from threads of history. Its roots date back millennia, to the Trypillian culture, when geometric patterns on fabrics served not only as decoration but also as talismans that protected against evil. Each region of Ukraine embedded its own soul into the embroidery: red and black patterns of Poltava told of passion and struggle, delicate flowers of Podillia spoke of love for the land, and strict rhombuses of Polissya signified ancestral wisdom. Using only linen or hemp fabrics and natural dyes, master artisans for centuries transmitted the art of embroidery from generation to generation, preserving it as a sacred tradition. In the 19th century, vyshyvanka became a marker of national consciousness. During Polish and Russian occupations, when Ukrainian language and culture were suppressed, the embroidered shirt remained an act of silent resistance. “It was a way to say: we exist, we are alive,” notes Olena Skrypka, a historian from Kyiv National University. In the 20th century, despite Soviet repressions, vyshyvanka maintained its power, becoming a symbol for dissidents and independence fighters. Vyshyvanka Day: from student initiative to global celebration Vyshyvanka Day was born in 2006 in Chernivtsi thanks to student Lesya Voroniuk, who proposed dedicating one day to wearing traditional clothing. What started as a local action soon spread across Ukraine and then globally. Today, it is a celebration without an official status but with incredible power: from small villages to metropolises, from the Capitol in Washington to the Élysée Gardens in Paris, people wear vyshyvanky to express solidarity with Ukraine. In 2025, Vyshyvanka Day takes on special significance. Against the backdrop of ongoing war with Russia, which since 2014, and especially since 2022, has sought to destroy Ukrainian identity, vyshyvanka has become a symbol of resilience. “Each stitch is our response to the aggressor,” says Maria Koval, a vyshyvanka designer from Lviv whose works are worn across Europe and the USA. “It is not just fabric; it is our armor.” In cities affected by Russian shelling, such as Kharkiv or Zaporizhzhia, people wear vyshyvanky as a sign that culture is stronger than missiles. Love for Ukraine: unity across oceans Vyshyvanka Day is also a celebration of the diaspora, which maintains love for Ukraine thousands of kilometers from the homeland. In the USA, where over a million Ukrainians live, the holiday is celebrated grandly. In Chicago, where the Ukrainian community is one of the largest, parades in vyshyvanky take place on central squares, and in New York near the Ukrainian Institute of America, fairs with traditional shirts and embroidery workshops are organized. “For us, it’s a way to stay Ukrainian even if we were born here,” shares Anna Hrynyshyn, event organizer in Detroit, whose family emigrated after World War II. In 2025, support for Ukraine in the USA has reached new heights. According to insider information, American congressmen advocating for military and humanitarian aid to Kyiv plan to join the celebrations by wearing vyshyvanky as a symbol of solidarity. In cities from Los Angeles to Miami, Ukrainian communities organize charity evenings to raise funds for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and war-affected civilians. The global support is equally impressive. In Canada, Australia, Germany, and even Japan, Ukrainian diaspora communities and their allies organize flash mobs, concerts, and exhibitions dedicated to vyshyvanka. Last year in London, hundreds of people in embroidered shirts formed a living trident in Trafalgar Square, and organizers plan to repeat the event this May. “Vyshyvanka has become a global symbol of freedom,” says Oksana Levchuk, activist from Toronto. “It unites us all.” Resistance and heritage: vyshyvanka as a symbol of defiance In 2025, Vyshyvanka Day, as in previous years, reflects the spirit of Ukrainians in the war with Russia. Soldiers wear vyshyvanky under their body armor at the front, and volunteers embroider shirts for wounded fighters in the rear. “It reminds us what we are fighting for,” says Captain Oleksii Shevchuk from Dnipro. “Our culture is what Russia wants to destroy, but it will never defeat it.” The national heritage embodied in vyshyvanka has become a shield against Russification. In temporarily occupied regions such as Kherson or Melitopol, people risk their lives by wearing embroidered shirts as a sign of protest. In liberated cities like Irpin or Bucha, Vyshyvanka Day is planned to be celebrated with special grandeur this year to emphasize the victory of spirit over destruction. The future of vyshyvanka: from tradition to modernity Today, vyshyvanka experiences a renaissance. Contemporary designers like Vita Kin and Yulia Magdych combine traditional ornaments with fashionable cuts, making embroidered shirts popular on global runways. In 2025, a collection inspired by Ukrainian embroidery is planned to be showcased in Paris, and Ukrainian brands are opening new boutiques in New York. “Vyshyvanka is not archaic; it is eternity,” says Magdych, whose works have been worn by Hollywood stars. Vyshyvanka Day 2025 is not only a celebration but also a reminder: Ukraine is alive, its culture flourishes, and its people are unbreakable. From Kyiv’s boulevards to Brooklyn’s streets, from frontline trenches to world capitals, vyshyvanka unites millions of hearts. In a world ablaze with war and division, it remains a symbol of love, resilience, and hope — a thread connecting the past with the future and Ukraine with the entire world.

At a time when Ukraine continues to fight for its right to exist and freedom, thousands of miles from the front lines, in the heart of Middle America, music that transcends words was heard. Last weekend in Cleveland and Detroit, unique performances by the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus took place — events that became a spiritual pilgrimage, an act of solidarity, and an artistic manifesto.Under the ceilings of a middle school in North Royalton (Ohio) and at the Warren Community Center (Michigan), evenings filled with the sound of the bandura — an instrument that has become a symbol of Ukrainian identity — unfolded. But the audience heard not just music. They witnessed something much greater: a ritual of national memory, artistic defiance, and humanitarian mission.The program included Cossack dumas, works by Ukrainian classics, modern compositions inspired by the heroic efforts of soldiers on the front lines. The stage shifted from deep sorrowful minor to uplifting patriotic chords. Each piece was accompanied by multimedia inserts — photos from the front, archival footage, and portraits of fallen heroes.A special highlight was the premiere of a song dedicated to medical workers and volunteers, written based on letters from the combat zone. The audience was moved to tears. They stood. Applauded standing ovations.The funds raised from both concerts will be directed toward humanitarian aid for injured soldiers, as well as supporting the Bandura Education Fund, which teaches a new generation of musicians from Ukraine and the diaspora. According to organizers, this is an investment in cultural resilience, which is no less important than weapons."This concert is about the fact that a nation cannot be erased as long as its song is heard," — said one of the veterans who spoke to the audience before the concert began.The concerts served as a vivid example of how the Ukrainian diaspora in the USA does not just observe the events at home but actively supports the country through culture, charity, and enlightenment. The hall was attended by American veterans, volunteers, and patrons who have supported Ukraine since the very first day of the full-scale invasion.While the world continues to grapple with crises — geopolitical, humanitarian, moral — these concerts reminded us: culture remains a reliable weapon in the fight for humanity. And as long as the strings of the bandura sound on stages around the world — Ukraine resonates. It lives. It fights.

On Saturday, in Parma, Ohio, one of the brightest events of the spring took place — a concert by the women's bandura ensemble WBENA (Women's Bandura Ensemble of North America) as part of the Near & Far Spring 2025 tour. The event became part of a series of concerts called «Songs from Near & Far», which combines musical works from various parts of the world interpreted through the Ukrainian traditional instrument — the bandura. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZro9RnLvj0&ab_channel=Vdomacom The concert was held in an incredibly warm atmosphere, gathering the Ukrainian community and culture enthusiasts, who had the opportunity to enjoy not only a high level of performance but also a diverse repertoire — from classical to contemporary, from Crimean Tatar melodies to jazz standards. A feature of the program was genre diversity and cultural variety. The stage featured works by artists such as Hryhoriy Kytasty, Oleksandr Bilosh, Sviatoslav Vakarchuk, Myroslav Skoryk, Anatoliy Pashkevych, as well as folk songs from Crimea, Lemkivshchyna, Poland, and other regions. The evening’s highlight was two captivating performances — Ey Guzel Qirim, a traditional Crimean Tatar song, and a medley of Ukrainian lullaby «Oй ходить сон» and George Gershwin’s Summertime — a vivid example of cultural synthesis that perfectly emphasizes the universality of the bandura. In the concert participated 21 bandura players from various U.S. states and Canada, including Chicago, Toronto, New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Boston, Hartford, San Antonio, and other cities. Performers appeared both as full ensembles and small groups and soloists. Also joining the performance were violinist Galyna Ischak and drummer Khrystyna Levitska, adding a special rhythmic color to the concert program. The Parma concert was also the first public appearance for several new ensemble members. All of them are united by a common goal — to preserve and develop Ukrainian musical heritage, promoting it among a broader audience. WBENA was founded in 2015 with the aim not only to preserve bandura traditions but also to adapt them to contemporary art, combining ancient melodies with baroque and modern music. After the concert, performers happily met with students of the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies in Parma, where they shared the history of the bandura, demonstrated playing the instrument, and inspired the younger generation to delve deeper into Ukrainian culture. WBENA actively supports charitable initiatives, and part of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to UCARE (Ukrainian Children's Aid and Relief Effort), which helps Ukrainian children, especially in wartime conditions. Such cooperation between cultural and humanitarian projects only highlights the depth of the ensemble’s mission.

Chicago always delights residents and visitors of the city with bright events, and this weekend will be no exception! From the enchanting magic show of illusionist Xavier Mortimer to the grand Asian film festival and performances by world music stars – here are the most interesting events to attend March 21-23. 🎭 Magic and Theater Xavier Mortimer: Master of Magic 📍 CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St.📅 March 21-23🔹 Renowned French illusionist, star of the show "America's Got Talent", brings his unique program to Chicago. Magic, humor, and spectacular tricks – definitely worth seeing! Opera "La Bohème" 📍 Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr.📅 Runs until April 12🔹 Chicago production of Giacomo Puccini's opera narrates a romantic and dramatic story of young artists’ love in 19th-century Paris. 🎥 Festivals and Cinema Paul Schrader Retrospective 📍 Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.📅 March 21 – April 5🔹 Tribute to legendary director and screenwriter, author of cult classics "Taxi Driver" and "American Gigolo". Asian Pop-up Film Festival 📍 AMC New City 14, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave.📅 March 20 – April 13🔹 Best films from Japan, China, Korea, and other Asian countries. Chicago Flamenco Festival 📍 SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston📅 March 24🔹 Closing annual flamenco festival, featuring Flamenco Quartet Project. 🎤 Concerts and Stand-up Concert: Mumford & Sons 📍 The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.📅 March 22, 21:00🔹 British folk-rock band performing before their world tour starts. Concert: Suzanne Vega 📍 Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.📅 March 23, 19:00🔹 Legendary 80s singer to perform with guitarist Jesse Leonard. Concert: GloRilla 📍 Salt Shed Chicago, 1357 N. Elston Ave.📅 March 23, 20:00🔹 Famous rapper and dancer brings "The Glorious Tour". Concert: Iggy Pop 📍 Salt Shed Chicago, 1357 N. Elston Ave.📅 March 24, 20:00🔹 Living punk rock legend, age 77, still ready to "fire up" the stage! Comedian Jay Pharoah 📍 Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg📅 March 20-22🔹 Former Saturday Night Live actor known for his impersonations promises an evening of genuine humor. 🎸 Nostalgia and Classics Concert: Emerson, Lake & Palmer 📍 Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan📅 March 22, 20:00🔹 Memorial night for the legendary progressive rock band, brought to life with modern technologies. ✨ Don't miss your chance to enjoy the weekend in Chicago! With so many events, everyone will find something for themselves – magic, music, theater, stand-up, or festivals. Choose what appeals to you and spend an unforgettable weekend in the City of Winds!

This year Chicago will once again celebrate Saint Patrick's Day according to one of the city's most iconic traditions: the Chicago River dyeing in 2025. According to the Choose Chicago portal, the Chicago River dyeing in 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, March 15. The event, initiated by the Chicago Plumber's Union, starts at 10 a.m. with boats dispersing dye into the river until the water turns a bright emerald green color. The environmentally friendly dye can often be seen a few days after the event and throughout Saint Patrick's Day. Where to watch the Chicago River dyeing in 2025 If you want to see the color change with your own eyes, you should come to State and Columbus streets at 10 a.m. Although the lower part of the riverbank will be closed, spectators can watch the process from Upper Wacker Drive or from one of the many bridges in the city. NBC 5 also plans to broadcast the event live. How did this tradition start? Legend has it that in 1961, a man named Steven Bailey—a union business manager—was approached by one of his plumbers dressed in a white jumpsuit, - according to Local 130. It was then, as the union states, that Bailey noticed the jumpsuit was stained or painted in the perfect shade of green, or Irish green, to describe it better. Surprised how the jumpsuits could get such a shade, Bailey and his plumbers found out that it was caused by dye used to detect leaks in the river, the story continues. "Then Mr. Bailey exclaimed," the union states, "call the mayor... we'll dye the Chicago River green! " And so it happened. Who and how dyes the river green? Every year on Saint Patrick's Day, members of the plumbers' union board boats that navigate the Chicago River with a rather interesting mixture sprayed from thick pipes and Jockey pumps. However, this mysterious mixture does not contain green color. "If you saw this phenomenon for the first time, you would think it was a mistake or an unsuccessful joke," the union message continues. "The dye is orange, and its initial color on the surface of the river is also orange, and you would think only a wizard could do something like that." However, as soon as the dye begins to act, the color, to everyone's surprise, changes to green, and the true color magically appears, - the union explains. According to Local 130, other cities have tried to do similar experiments but have not succeeded. The union believes that, besides this, and the magical color transformation, the plumbers may have received some extra assistance. "We believe that it is here that the legendary Leprechaun appears," - say Local 130. "As the late Steven Bailey used to say, the road from Chicago to Ireland is marked in green," the post states. "From the Chicago River to the Illinois River, then to the Mississippi, north along the Gulf Stream, and across the Atlantic, you can see how the beautiful green color enters the Irish Sea, clearly marking the route from Chicago to Ireland." What is in the dye? We will never find out. The plumbers' union Choose Chicago claims that the honorary right to dye the river still belongs to them. But you won't be able to find their dye recipe anywhere. "Their environmentally friendly dye formula remains a big secret," said in Choose Chicago. Other events for Saint Patrick's Day in Chicago 2025 Archer Ave. St. Patrick's Day Parade On Saturday, March 15, a parade for Saint Patrick's Day is also scheduled on Archer Avenue, which is a celebration for working families of Chicago. Parade participants can line up along Archer Avenue as the parade moves from Oak Park to Narragansett. After the river dyeing, the celebration continues with the 70th annual Chicago Saint Patrick's Day Parade. As in previous years, the parade will most likely start at the intersection of Balbo and Columbus Drive and continue north to Monroe Street. The start time has not been announced. Irish Parade on the Northwest Side The Irish Parade, honoring faith, family values, and heritage on the Northwest Side, has been held for 22 consecutive years. This year, it will start at noon on Sunday, March 16. About 50,000 people are expected to gather in the area to participate in this traditional event. The parade will begin near Onahan School, 6633 W. Raven.

Learn about all the holidays awaiting Christians according to the church calendar (Orthodox or Greek Catholic) in February 2025. The church calendar is a system that combines the annual cycle of movable feasts (linked to Easter) and the cycle of fixed feasts and weekdays. In illiterate peasant communities, the entire life was oriented around the worship calendar. All days significant to them were associated not with the month and date, but with a particular saint. For example, beehives were placed out at the apiary on Zosima's day. Thus, the church calendar governed people's existence. Additionally, fasting holds great importance for believers. Regardless of faith, the calendar is important for observing fasts, both the Great Fast and single-day fasts, as well as church holidays. Note that Ukraine has transitioned to the new Julian calendar. Therefore, the dates of familiar holidays shifted in 2024. As a result, both Orthodox and Greek Catholic believers will celebrate them simultaneously. All holidays in the Orthodox calendar for February 2025 The church calendar will inform Orthodox believers of important holidays: February 1 – Saint Trifon the Martyr; February 2 – Presentation of the Lord; February 3 – Saints Simeon the God-Receiver and Anna the Prophetess; February 4 – Saint Hesychius of Pilusium; February 5 – Holy Martyr Agathopus; February 6 – Saint Vukola the Venerable, Saint Silvan the Hieromartyr; February 7 – Saint Paternus the Venerable, Bishop of Lampsacus; February 8 – Great Martyr Theodore Stratilates; Prophet Zechariah; February 9 – Saint Nifon the Martyr; February 10 – Saint Haralampius the Martyr; February 11 – Hieromartyr Vasily, Bishop of Sevastia; February 12 – Saint Meletius, Archbishop of Antioch; February 13 – Saint Martinian the Venerable; February 14 – Venerable Cyril the Equal-to-the-Apostles; Venerable Aksentius; February 15 – Apostle Onesimus; February 16 – Martyrs Pamphilus, Porphyrius, and others; February 17 – Great Martyr Theodore Tiron; Great Martyr Marianas; February 18 – Sunday of Zacchaeus; Saint Leo, Pope of Rome; February 19 – Apostle Archippus; February 20 – Saint Leo the Venerable, Bishop of Catania; February 21 – Saint Timothy the Venerable; Saint Eustathius, Archbishop of Antioch; February 22 – Finding of relics of the Martyrs in Eugenia; February 23 – Hieromartyr Polycarp; February 24 – The first and second discovery of the head of John the Baptist; February 25 – Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee; Saint Tarasius, Archbishop of Constantinople; February 26 – Saint Porphyrius, Bishop of Gaza; February 27 – Saint Procopius the Confessor, Decapolitan; February 28 – Saint Basil the Confessor and Procopius's successor.

Nominees were announced by actor, host, comedian, and podcaster Bowen Yang, known to American audiences from the late-night show "Saturday Night Live," as well as the films "Whicked: The Enchantress" and "Rachel Sennott" (The Long-Awaited Dawn, Coveur Series).The film with the most nominations is the satirical musical "Emilya Peres" by Jacques Odier – 13. In second place are "Brutalist" directed by Bradi Korbet and "Wicked: The Enchantress" by John Chu – with 10 nominations each. In the biopic about Bob Dylan – "Bob Dylan: Complete Stranger" – 8 nominations, and in the comedy-drama "Anora" by John Becker – 6. List of nominees for "Oscar-2025" Best Picture: "Anora""Brutalist""Bob Dylan: Unknown""Conclave""Dune: Part Two""Emilya Peres""I'm Still Here""Boys from "Nickel""Substance""Wicked: The Enchantress" Best Director: Shon Becker – "Anora"Bradi Korbet – "Brutalist"James Mengold – "Bob Dylan: Unknown"Jac Odiar – "Emilya Peres"Korali Farja – "Substance" Best Actor: Adrian Brody – "Brutalist"Timothée Chalamet – "Bob Dylan: Unknown"Colman Domingo – "Sing-Sing"Ralph Fiennes – "Conclave"Sebastian Stan – "Apprentice: Trump’s Rise" Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo – "Wicked: The Enchantress"Karla Gascón – "Emilya Peres"Mikey Madison – "Anora"Demi Moore – "Substance"Fernanda Torres – "I'm Still Here" Best Supporting Actor: Yura Borisov – "Anora"Kiran Kalkan – "The Real Pain"Edward Norton – "Full Unknown"Guy Pearce – "Brutalist"Jeremy Strong – "Apprentice: Trump’s Story"Denzel Washington – "Gladiator II" Best Supporting Actress: Monica Barbaro – "Unknown"Ariana Grande – "Wicked: The Enchantress"Felicity Jones – "Brutalist"Isabella Rossellini – "Conclave"Zoe Saldana – "Emilya Peres" Best Original Screenplay: "Anora""Brutalist""Full Unknown""September 5th""Substance" Best Adapted Screenplay: "Unknown""Conclave""Emilya Peres""Boys from "Nickel""Sing-Sing" Best Animated Feature Film: "Flow. The Last Cat on Earth""Inside Out 2""Snail's Memoirs""Wild Robot""Wallace and Gromit: The Feathered Revenge" Best International Feature Film: "I'm Still Here""Girl with a Needle""Emilya Peres""Seed of the Sacred Fig""Flow" Best Documentary Feature Film: "Black Box Diaries""Bibi Files""Daughters""No Other Land""Sugarcane Alley""Porcelain War" Best Original Song: "El Mal" – "Emilya Peres""The Journey" – "The Six Triple Eight""Like A Bird" – "Sing-Sing""Mi Camino" – "Emilya Peres""Never Too Late" – "Elton John: Never Too Late" Best Cinematography: "Nosferatu""Emilya Peres""Conclave""Brutalist""Dune: Part Two" Best Costume Design: "Unknown""Conclave""Gladiator 2""Nosferatu""Wicked: The Enchantress" Best Visual Effects: "Alien: Romulus""Being Better: The Robby Williams Story""Dune 2""Planet of the Apes: The New Kingdom""Wicked: The Enchantress" Best Original Score: "Brutalist""Conclave""Emilya Peres""Wicked: The Enchantress""Wild Robot" Best Production Design: "Brutalist""Conclave""Dune: Part Two""Nosferatu""Wicked: The Enchantress" Best Makeup and Hairstyling: "Other Person""Emilya Peres""Nosferatu""Substance""Wicked: The Enchantress" Best Short Documentary: "Death by Numbers""I'm Ready, Boss""Accident""Hearts Beating Instruments""The Only Girl in the Orchestra" Best Animated Short Film: "Beautiful Men""In the Shade of Cypress""Magical Candies""Journey to Wonder""Ugh!" Best Film Editing: "Anora""Brutalist""Conclave""Emilya Peres""Wicked: The Enchantress" Recall that the nominees are determined by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the winners are chosen through a secret vote. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony, honoring the highest achievements in the film industry and influencing further cinematic development, will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in California. The host will be the charismatic and witty American comedian and television host Conan O'Brien.

"This is my home! I must protect it!" – said Macaulay Culkin in 1990. But now… it could become yours. The iconic house, which served as an unforgettable backdrop for the shooting of the 90s classic film "Home Alone," has appeared on the market for $5.25 million (£4.1 million). Located in the affluent suburb of Winnetka, Illinois, the house is not only a piece of cinematic history but also a significant real estate object. According to the American real estate agency Zillow, this is the first time the house has been publicly up for sale since 2012. The Georgian-style mansion on Lincoln Avenue has become a kind of legend after it was featured in the film "Home Alone," where it was depicted as the home of the McCallister family. In the movie, young Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, accidentally stays home while his family goes to Paris for Christmas. Built in the 1920s, the house features five bedrooms and six bathrooms. Its exterior, made of red brick, and classic Georgian architectural details are typical for this affluent suburb of Illinois. The interior impresses with well-preserved original details (both authentic for that time and – more importantly – original for the 1990 film), including grand staircases (to set traps), a wood-burning fireplace (for hiding inside), and a basement cinema (probably to watch "Home Alone"?). In 2021, Airbnb offered a "one-night rental" of the "Home Alone" house in Winnetka, where actor Devin Ratray (who played Kevin McCallister's older brother Buzz) hosted guests during their stay. It seems the owners are now ready to give up the rental. The house still retains the same homely coziness as in the film, but over the past three decades, several modern updates have been made. The real estate agency The Dawn Mckenna Group published a video showcasing interior views, stating that the current owners have "doubled" the living space. The renovations also seemingly included the addition of a modern winter garden and a state-of-the-art basketball court. The exterior appearance of the house, especially its snowy façade during the climax scenes of the film, remains a family classic, and listing the house for sale is an opportunity to acquire a piece of Hollywood history.

Considering that the city is covered with frosts, this is the perfect time to visit local museums and attractions, as many of them offer several days of free admission. For those who do not fear the cold, zoos and gardens also provide free days. Additionally, throughout the year, many institutions offer free entry for military personnel, firefighters, students, teachers, and children. Some also participate in the "Museums for All" program, which offers free or discounted entry for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Look for additional information on their websites. And for year-round free admission, consider becoming a member of your favorite museum, zoo, or garden club. Here is a guide to free entry to local attractions and main exhibits in each of them: Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.Free admission from 4 to 11 p.m. on Wednesdays for Illinois residents; book in advance. Visit adlerplanetarium.org. Current exhibitions: "Chasing Eclipses," "Chicago's Night Sky." American Writers Museum, 180 N. MichiganFree on the third Sunday of the month. Visit americanwritersmuseum.org. Current exhibitions: "Level Up: Writers & Gamers," "A Nation of Writers." Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. MichiganFree for Illinois residents: Monday, Thursday, Friday until March 14 and Wednesday March 5, 12; advance reservation required. Visit artic.edu. Several current exhibitions: "Project a Black Planet," "Art and Culture of Panafrica," "James Frey: Woven." Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle, EvanstonAlways free admission. Visit blockmuseum.northwestern.edu. Exhibitions starting January 25: "Woven Being: Art for Zhegagoynak/Chicagoland," "It Takes a Long Time to Stay Here: Paintings by Jordan Ann Craig." Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., BrookfieldFree general admission for everyone from Saturday to Sunday, Tuesday to Thursday until February 27 (parking and rides are not charged). Visit brookfieldzoo.org. See the wonders of the animal world, learn about nature and its conservation by visiting exhibitions and special events. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe:Several free days throughout the year for Illinois residents; upcoming dates are January 20 and February 2-7; prior registration required (parking fee). Visit chicagobotanic.org. Winter, spring, summer or fall – each season is filled with special events and wonderful walks spanning 385 acres of the garden. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. WashingtonAlways free entry and tours. Visit chicagoculturalcenter.org. Current exhibitions: "Potential Energy: Chicago Puppets Up Close," "Two Hundred Fifty One Days: Bryana Bibbs," "A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration." Chicago Fed Money Museum, 230 S. LaSalle:Always free admission. Visit chicagofed.org. This section features various exhibits dedicated to economics, money, and the role of the Federal Reserve. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. ClarkWinter free days for Illinois residents: January 20-24, 28-31, and Tuesdays-Fridays February 4-28, and February 17. Visit chicagohistory.org. Current exhibitions: "Dressed in History – A Costume Collection Retrospective," "Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art of the 1960s-1970s," "Injustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till." DePaul Art Museum, 935 W. FullertonAlways free entry. Visit resources.depaul.edu. Current exhibitions: "Edgar Miller: Anti-Modern, 1917-1967," "The Spaces We Call Home." Chicago Design Museum, 108 N. StateAlways free. Website: designchicago.org. Current exhibitions: "Letters Beyond Form: Chicago Types," "20 Years of the Chicago Design Archive." Driehaus Museum, 50 E. ErieFree on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visit driehausmuseum.org. Upcoming exhibitions: "A Tale of Today: Materialities," "Rory McEwen: A New Perspective." DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th PlaceFree on Wednesdays for Illinois residents. Visit dusablemuseum.org. Current exhibitions: "The Many Colors of Us," "The Art of Our Storytellers: Selections from the Johnson Publishing Company Collection." The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.Free for Illinois residents every Wednesday. Visit fieldmuseum.org. Current exhibitions: "Wild Color," "SUE: The T. Rex Experience," "Cats: Predators to Pets." Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central ParkAlways free for Chicago residents. Visit garfieldconservatory.org. Stroll through lush flora and tropical gardens filled with thousands of plant species from around the world.