Chicago turns 189 today… and it all started with wild onions called Shikaakwa that grew along the riverbanks here.
In the late 1700s, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable set up a trading post along the Chicago River.
And on March 4, 1837…Chicago officially became a city with just 4,000 people.
Over the next 60 years, Chicago grew 400 fold, blooming into 77 neighborhoods, amazing the rest of the world with its ability to repeatedly reinvent itself.
Fast forward to today and that little riverside settlement turned into one of the greatest cities on earth!
Happy Birthday Chicago!
#allfortheloveofchicago
#chicagobirthday #chicago
TODAY! Join me for a book signing today (May 16) at the @driehausmuseum from 2-4 pm. It’s free and in the Murphy Auditorium. See the very door that is on the cover of my book and one of the first doorways I ever photographed! Books will be available to purchase from the museum. ❤️ I will have photo prints and greeting cards available at the event as well!
Also, don’t miss their newest exhibit:
Ink & Outrage: 18th-Century Satirical Prints in London & Dublin is a lively and revelatory exhibition that explores the golden age of caricature and the networks of art, politics, and piracy that connected Britain and Ireland. (To see the exhibit you will need to buy an admission ticket)
#doorwaysofchicago #thingstodoinchicago
🐍Seen On The Street...Episode 4
Because only in Chicago do you look up from your walk and see a python snake or some shit! Honk if you hate snakes as much as me! ::shivers::
What’s the quirkiest thing YOU’VE ever seen walking around Chicago?
Welcome to my Seen On The Street series where I capture the quirk, character, and unexpected moments of Chicago while wandering the city streets. Follow @doorwaysofchicago for more of Chicago’s quirk!
#doorwaysofchicago #seenonthestreet #quirky
TODAY! Join me for a book signing today (May 16) at the @driehausmuseum from 2-4 pm. It’s free and in the Murphy Auditorium. See the very door that is on the cover of my book and one of the first doorways I ever photographed! Books will be available to purchase from the museum. ❤️ I will have photo prints and greeting cards available at the event as well!
Also, don’t miss their newest exhibit:
Ink & Outrage: 18th-Century Satirical Prints in London & Dublin is a lively and revelatory exhibition that explores the golden age of caricature and the networks of art, politics, and piracy that connected Britain and Ireland. (To see the exhibit you will need to buy an admission ticket)
#doorwaysofchicago #thingstodoinchicago
Knock, knock! 🚪 Who’s there? Just some of the most stunning doorways in the Windy City. Check out how photographer Ronnie Frey (aka @doorwaysofchicago ) is turning everyday entrances into works of art. Read the full Q&A and find a link to the book in our bio! 🏙️✨
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#midwestliving #chicago #art #doorways #midwest
Hey Chicago, Here’s my list of things to do in Chicago this weekend May 15-17, 2026. See you out on the trails!
DOORWAYS OF CHICAGO EVENTS:
Book Signing - @barbarasbookstorechgo@macys State Street
May 15
6 - 7 pm Free & open to public
Book Signing @driehausmuseum
May 16
2 - 4 pm Free & open to public
Artist-In-Residence Exhibit
@radissonbluaquachicago - Aqua Tower
Exhibit runs through November 15
Books can be purchased in the lobby
Book a DOC Spring Walking Tour
Walking Tours are now live on my website for May and June 2026
See you out on the trails!
doorwaysofchicago.com
Book Signing @bookends_and_beginnings
May 21
6-7 pm Free & open to public
RSVP on Eventbrite
AROUND TOWN:
Lincoln Roscoe Art & Craft Fair
@lakeviewroscoevillage
Les Misérables
@lemizus@broadwayinchicago Cadillac Theater
Bruno Mars – The Romantic Tour
@brunomars@soldierfield
National Restaurant Show
@nationalrestaurantshow@mccormickplace
Chicago Humanities Spring Festival
@chihumanities
Sox v Cubs
@cubs@officialwrigleyfield
#thingstodoinchicago #chicagoweekend #chicagobucketlist
#allfortheloveofchicago
Join Ronnie Frey and Trope Publishing at Bookends & Beginnings next Thursday, May 21st, at 6pm in Evanston, IL!
Ronnie will be in conversation with Trope to talk about his book “Doorways of Chicago”. RSVP at link in bio and see you in Evanston!
@doorwaysofchicago@bookends_and_beginnings
How awesome to know a Chicagoan who loves Chicago as much as I do. Last night, I was able to celebrate the success of my friend, Ronnie Frey @doorwaysofchicago at the launch of the new Artist in Residence program at the @radissonbluaquachicago with his photography.
Ronnie’s Doorways of Chicago series captures the beauty, history and little hidden details that make this city so unforgettable. His work will easily make you stop, look closer and fall in love with Chicago over and over again.
The picture of Ronnie and I together is next to his photo of my favorite door in all of Chicago (the CD Peacock Door)!
Ronnie’s pictures can be found on his Instagram and also in his new book! Congrats, Ronnie! ❤️🚪
#doorwaysofchicago #doorwaysofinstagram
Seen On The Street...Episode 3.
Because only in Chicago do you look up from your walk and see a kid balancing a gallon jug on his head like it’s completely normal. I swear this city is performance art.
What’s the quirkiest thing YOU’VE ever seen walking around Chicago?
Welcome to my Seen On The Street series where I capture the quirk, character, and unexpected moments of Chicago while wandering the city streets. Follow @doorwaysofchicago for more of Chicago’s quirk!
#doorwaysofchicago #seenonthestreet #quirky
Step through the door (it’s revolving) at the @radissonbluaquachicago to see a collection from their latest Artist in Residence Ronnie Frey. A photographer, creator and a friend also known as @doorwaysofchicago . It is just “unhinged” how this collection shows the beauty and diversity of the architecture of Chicago. Long time residents and visitors alike will “a-door” it. Can’t make it to Chicago? Then pop into my stories where you can grab his book.
🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪
#chicagogram #chicagoart #chicagolove
I have known Ronnie for years. I remember when @doorwaysofchicago was just an idea, just him with his phone paying attention to the parts of this city most people walk right past.
Last night we watched him walk into his own exhibition at the @radissonbluaquachicago and could not have been more proud. Getting to be part of bringing this night together through @isabellipartners made it even more special.
His work, a visual archive of Chicago’s doorways, facades, murals, and architectural details across 12 neighborhoods, is now on view there through November. There is also a photography book and it is stunning.
If you live here and love this city the way I do, go see it. And follow him if you are not already.
So proud of you Ronnie. This is just the beginning.
#ChicagoPhotography #ChicagoArt #chicago #thingstodoinchicago
