Doorways of Chicago - author event with Ronnie Frey
Join us for a presentation and book signing from author Ronnie Frey. Hs book Doorways of Chicago offers a new and colorful photographic tour of one of the world's most exciting cities. With more than 100 photographs of Chicago's most iconic and unique doorways from Ronnie Frey, creator of the popular Instagram account of the same name, Doorways of Chicago presents an entirely new way to explore the city. With a keen eye for detail and a deep love for Chicago's layered architectural history, Ronnie sees the city differently, and his photos highlight more than just doors and buildings--he captures atmosphere, memory, and soul. His photographs feature doorways, cornices, arches, and fȧades--details many overlook.
Ronnie Frey is a photographer, social media content creator, and storyteller behind the popular Instagram account @doorwaysofchicago, a visual archive celebrating Chicago’s architecture, history, and hidden gems. His debut book, Doorways of Chicago, was released on May 5, 2026, by Trope Publishing. The book quickly reached #1 in New Releases in Travel Photography, City Photography, Architectural Photography and US Midwest Travel Guides on Amazon, where it remained for more than five weeks. His work has been featured in Midwest Living and Chicago Magazine, and he has appeared on WGN Spotlight Chicago, WGN Morning News, NBC Today Chicago, FOX 32 Chicago Now, and numerous podcasts discussing Doorways of Chicago and Chicago architecture. He will also be featured in an upcoming segment on CBS Eye On Chicago.
He is currently the artist-in-residence at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the iconic Aqua Tower. The exhibit in the building’s lobby features 21 framed photographs from his Doorways Of Chicago Project in an exhibit through November 15 of this year.
From his studio in Chicago’s landmark Fine Arts Building, Ronnie captures historic details and cultural stories through photography, writing, social media content, as well as curated Chicago walking tours and global group tours. His work invites people to slow down, look closer, and discover the beauty hiding in plain sight.
The City of Evanston is committed to promoting a Citywide culture of accessibility and inclusivity. To request an accommodation for a program, service, or activity, please call 847-866-2919, email [email protected] or CLICK THIS LINK TO THE COE ACCESSIBILITY PAGE to make an ADA service request.