A historical journey through the aesthetic and technological evolution of one of Italy’s most beloved symbols: coffee. This is the essence of “Italian Passion: The Art of Espresso”, an exhibition that traces the evolution of the design of coffee-related objects over the past decades. After successful stops in Europe, the United States, and Brazil, the event arrives in the Nanshan district of Shenzhen, a city in southern China.
The exhibition showcases 40 pieces – including domestic and professional espresso machines, coffee sets, and cups – at the Sea World Culture and Arts Center in the Nanshan district of Shenzhen, from December 5, 2025, to January 4, 2026, on the occasion of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. Historical objects and unique pieces, selected by curator Elisabetta Pisu, illustrate the evolution of coffee production and consumption over time and highlight how the social significance of this act – deeply intertwined with the Italian lifestyle – has grown in the collective imagination.
«Coffee represents a universal symbol of Italian identity, capable of telling the story of our history and cultural heritage – said Valerio De Parolis, Consul General of Italy in Guangzhou –. Bringing this exhibition to Shenzhen (recognized by Unesco as a City of Design and a benchmark for innovation and creativity in China) means celebrating a passion for quality and research, long-standing hallmarks of Made in Italy. Presented on the occasion of the tenth edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, ‘Italian Passion: The Art of Espresso’ explores how, over the decades, design has interpreted and enhanced the social ritual of espresso coffee. A tradition that continues to renew itself and inspire over time, symbolizing Italian creativity, conviviality, and innovation.»
The exhibited objects trace the historical evolution of the past two centuries, from coffee makers born from the creativity of great designers, which have become true icons of their time, to more recent pieces resulting from technological innovations that have profoundly transformed production processes and raised quality standards. The exhibition highlights a continuous pursuit to improve technology, the ergonomics of the objects, and the experience of consuming one of the world’s most beloved and widespread beverages.
«Innovation, creativity, and design - explains curator Elisabetta Pisu - have accompanied the evolution of espresso machines, coffee makers, and tableware, establishing espresso coffee as a social and cultural ritual - a symbol of Italian identity and Made in Italy excellence. Through these objects, we embark on a journey through time that allows us to understand how habits, gestures, rituals, and the emotional significance associated with coffee have evolved.»
