Passione Italiana: The Art of Espresso chronicled the evolution of the espresso machine and documented technological and industrial design developments. The exhibit showcased espresso makers used in Italy during the mid-twentieth century — alongside inventive coffee sets and unique crockery — and traversed through the decades, highlighting the influence that designers such as Aldo Rossi, Toyo Ito, Richard Sapper and Massimiliano Fuksas have had on classic and contemporary models.

Appealing to both design lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike, the exhibition surveyed the social and historical impact that coffee and coffeehouses have had around the world, including the role of cafés as incubators in social justice movements and how they have helped fuel everything from literary and musical achievements to political revolutions.

With Passione Italiana, MODA also introduced the Co.Lab, an experiential space within one of our galleries that was inspired by the spirit of creativity fueled by coffee. The immersive environment was developed by MODA with some of Atlanta’s most creative entities to offer a center for making, thinking, talking, and learning, and it featured expansive communal tables within an inviting shared space.