At Milan Design Week 2026, De’Longhi has unveiled one of the most imaginative installations of the year: The World’s Smallest Coffee Shops. Created in collaboration with master model-maker Simon Weisse, the project reimagines legendary global cafés as intricate miniatures—mounted directly onto De’Longhi coffee machines.
Known for his work with filmmakers like Wes Anderson, Luca Guadagnino, and Wim Wenders, Weisse brings cinematic craftsmanship into the world of design, blurring the line between storytelling and everyday ritual.
A Global Coffee Tour — Shrunk to Your Kitchen Counter
The installation features five meticulously crafted façades inspired by iconic coffee destinations across:
- Paris
- Tokyo
- Milan
- Copenhagen
- Berlin
Each miniature is designed to capture the architectural and cultural essence of its city—from Parisian Rive Gauche elegance to Tokyo’s minimalist coffee dens. But the twist? These tiny worlds sit atop De’Longhi’s fully automatic bean-to-cup machines, reinforcing a bold message: the café experience no longer belongs to the street—it lives at home.
Challenging the Myth of “Better Coffee Outside”
Despite the global shift toward home brewing—where 80% of coffee is now consumed—there’s still a perception gap. Research shows that 72% of people believe a professional café is required for the perfect cup.
De’Longhi is directly confronting that idea.
By stripping away the grandeur of physical café spaces and reducing them to miniature form, the focus shifts to what really matters: the machine, the beans, and the experience. The message is clear—premium, barista-quality coffee is no longer tied to location.
Craftsmanship Meets Coffee Innovation
Weisse’s studio spent over 1,500 hours handcrafting the miniature façades, using traditional techniques like carving, painting, and ageing to create pieces that feel like living artefacts rather than replicas.
His signature use of “forced perspective”—a technique widely used in film—adds depth and realism, making each tiny café feel like a fully immersive world.
“If the essence of a world-class coffee shop can fit into these miniature façades,” Weisse explains, “then it already fits seamlessly into daily life.”
The Machines Powering the Experience
At the heart of the installation are De’Longhi’s latest bean-to-cup machines, including:
- Rivelia
- Magnifica Evo Next
- Eletta Ultra
- Eletta Explore
- Primadonna Aromatic
Each machine is designed to deliver a full café menu at the touch of a button—transforming everyday coffee into a personalised experience.
Leading the lineup is the Rivelia, which introduces interchangeable bean hoppers, allowing users to switch between blends, roasts, and even decaf in seconds—without compromising on quality.
Where to See It
The installation will be showcased daily throughout Milan Design Week in the Brera District (Corso Garibaldi), running from 21st to 26th April 2026.
Why This Matters
De’Longhi’s collaboration with Simon Weisse is more than a design showcase—it’s a cultural statement. By merging cinematic artistry with cutting-edge coffee technology, the brand is redefining what a “coffee shop” means in 2026.
The takeaway?
You don’t need to visit the world’s best cafés anymore—you can bring them home.
