CHICAGO—Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago announces its 2026 Artist-in-Residence with photographer Ronnie Frey. From May 13 through November 15, 2026, the exhibition showcases Frey’s distinct perspective on Chicago’s architectural landscape—capturing both iconic landmarks and overlooked details through his celebrated Doorways of Chicago series.
Set within the iconic Aqua Tower, designed by Jeanne Gang, the upscale property provides a natural backdrop for Frey’s work, which explores the character, history, and design language embedded in Chicago’s streetscapes. Together, the setting and exhibition create a compelling dialogue between the building’s form and the city’s architectural details captured in Frey’s work. The residency coincides with the debut of Frey’s new coffee table book, Doorways of Chicago, further extending the exhibition beyond the gallery walls.
“What began as a simple walk to get out of the house during the pandemic became a love letter to the city I call home,” said Frey. “Chicago’s doorways, buildings, and streets are filled with stories waiting to be told, and through my lens, I’ve made it my mission to tell them. Bringing this work to Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel—a landmark of Chicago design in its own right—feels like a natural and deeply meaningful next chapter. I hope these images invite guests to see Chicago the way I do: one doorway at a time.”
The hotel will launch the residency with a private reception on May 13 from 5 to 7 p.m., where guests are invited to meet the artist and explore the exhibition. Signed copies of Doorways of Chicago and select prints will be available for purchase during the event and throughout the residency.
“At Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, art isn’t an amenity—it’s part of who we are,” said General Manager Randy Romero. “From our iconic architecture to the works that animate our spaces, we believe great design has the power to inspire and connect. Welcoming Ronnie Frey as our 2026 artist-in-residence is especially meaningful because he is a Chicago artist whose work reflects the texture, history, and spirit of Chicago. This residency allows us to celebrate local talent while offering our guests a more authentic connection to the city.”
As part of its ongoing commitment to design-driven experiences, Radisson Blu Aqua will also introduce the “Chicago by Design” package, created to extend the residency into a bookable guest experience. Details and rates will be available in late Spring 2026.
About Ronnie Frey, Doorways of Chicago
Ronnie Frey is the creative force behind the Instagram account @doorwaysofchicago, a visual archive that transforms the everyday into something extraordinary. With a deep appreciation for Chicago’s layered architectural history, his work captures more than buildings—it captures atmosphere, memory, and character.
Frey began photographing Chicago’s neighborhoods during the pandemic, initially to get outside and explore. What started as a daily walk quickly evolved into a focused creative practice and the launch of @doorwaysofchicago. Today, his work extends beyond doorways to include neon and ghost signs, murals, sculptures and other architectural details that reflect the city’s rich visual identity.
Drawing on a background in interior design and experience as a walking tour guide, Frey brings both compositional precision and historical context to his photography.
His residency at Radisson Blu Aqua features a curated selection of images from Doorways of Chicago, representing 12 neighborhoods including River North, the Loop, Old Town, Hyde Park, Chinatown and Uptown. Together, the works offer a portrait of Chicago told through its doorways—each one a threshold into the city’s past and present.
