A Unique Fusion of Coffee Culture and Design
De’Longhi, the renowned Italian coffee machine manufacturer, is set to make a splash at Milan Design Week 2026 with their installation titled
The World’s Smallest Coffee Shop. This innovative project, which will take place from
April 21 to April 25, 2026, features collaboration with the esteemed miniature artist
Simon Weiss.
The Concept Behind the Installation
In an effort to capture the essence of global coffee culture, the installation will consist of five exquisite miniature coffee shops, each inspired by the unique coffee scenes of
Paris, Tokyo, Milan, Copenhagen, and
Berlin. These miniature works will be intricately paired with De’Longhi’s top-of-the-line automatic coffee machines, including models like
Rivelia, Magnifica Evo Next, Eletta Ultra, Eletta Explore, and
Primadonna Aromatic.
“We’re challenging the perception that an exceptional coffee experience can only be found in a traditional coffee shop,” says De’Longhi CMO
Aparna Sundarish. “We want to communicate that high-quality coffee can also be enjoyed at home.” This message aligns with De'Longhi’s mission to transform their automatic coffee machines from mere appliances into embodiments of rich coffee experiences.
Simon Weiss, the master miniaturist known for his work on films like
The Grand Budapest Hotel and
Asteroid City, emphasizes the importance of coffee machines in crafting the coffee shop experience. He believes that even in miniature form, these models effectively convey the heart of the coffee culture and the central role machines play in it.
Events Surrounding Milan Design Week
De’Longhi's exhibition won’t be limited to just the installation. Influencers from various countries, including Japan, are invited to share the event's highlights on social media, thereby amplifying the reach and impact of the project. Visitors to Milan will have the unique opportunity to experience the brand's full range of automatic coffee machines firsthand.
Exploring Coffee Culture at Home
Through this initiative, De’Longhi aims to create an opportunity for coffee enthusiasts to engage with the deeper charms of espresso and other coffee variations. By illustrating how these automatic machines facilitate a genuine café experience right at home, they emphasize not only functionality but also sophistication and style.
A Glimpse into the Future with the Tokyo Edition
After the Milan event, the spirit of
The World’s Smallest Coffee Shop will also reach Japan. Scheduled for
May 29 to May 31, 2026, the Tokyo Edition will introduce a pop-up event aimed at coffee lovers. Attendees will have the chance to sample coffee, view the machine lineup, and enjoy a scaled version of the Milan exhibition. This interactive experience is geared towards both casual coffee drinkers and those considering their next home brewing investment.
The Espresso Day Quiz Campaign
In conjunction with these events, De’Longhi will run a quiz campaign leading up to
Espresso Day on
April 16. The campaign, hosted on their official social media account, will engage participants with daily quizzes on espresso, rewarding correct answers with luxurious prizes to enhance home coffee enjoyment.
De’Longhi: Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
Founded in the early 20th century in Treviso, Italy, De’Longhi's journey began in craftsmanship, eventually evolving into a powerhouse in the coffee machine market. The brand has retained a commitment to innovation, continuously introducing new products that resonate globally while maintaining a strong sense of style and functionality.
Their slogan,
‘Better Everyday’, encapsulates the brand’s philosophy of enhancing daily experiences, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all coffee lovers. De’Longhi’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and consumer satisfaction remains at the heart of this distinguished brand.
With both the Milan and Tokyo editions of
The World’s Smallest Coffee Shop, De’Longhi reaffirms its position as a leader in redefining home coffee experiences, proving that the joy of coffee culture can be accessed anywhere – including your kitchen.