Melbourne’s love affair with coffee will be celebrated this November in Carlton with Melbourne Through the Coffee Cup, a new photographic exhibition capturing how espresso culture came to define the city’s identity.
Running from November 9 to 30 at Coffee Machine Technologies on Lygon Street, the exhibition pairs striking images by photographer Peter Casamento with words by writer Sandra Makris. Together, they trace coffee’s journey from a migrant tradition to a central part of Melbourne’s cultural fabric.
The exhibition highlights the post-war Italian migrants who first introduced espresso machines to the city and follows the evolution of a café scene that now shapes daily life. Carlton, often regarded as the birthplace of Melbourne’s café culture, provides the perfect setting, with portraits of early pioneers displayed alongside contemporary café and street scenes.
The series reflects not just the evolution of coffee itself, but also the generational ties and sense of belonging forged through the ritual.
The exhibition is one of just seven Victorian projects chosen for the prestigious Head On Photo Festival, Sydney’s internationally recognised photography event.
Opening day, Sunday November 9, will feature a special program beginning with a viewing of the exhibition before guests head to Cinema Nova for a screening of Lygon Street: Si Parla Italiano, narrated by Anthony LaPaglia.
The documentary examines Carlton’s post-war Italian community and its role in embedding espresso into Melbourne life. A Q&A will follow, with each ticket including coffee earlier in the day.
Melbourne Through the Coffee Cup will run at 285 Lygon St, Carlton, from November 9 until November 30. Tickets are available through TryBooking.
