More than a century ago, Europeans began a quest to make a consistently good cup of coffee in a short amount of time. That led to the development of espresso, a drink that has gained quite a following here in the United States. That is how Nolan Hall, the roastmaster at the Docent Coffee Roastery + Cafe on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta, described the acceptance and enjoyment Americans are having with this Italian-style coffee.

Docent is partnering with the Museum of Design Atlanta for some programs for its new exhibition, “Passione Italiana: The Art of Espresso.” The exhibition, which opened Feb. 24, will be on display through June 15. Laura Flusche, Ph.D., the Midtown museum’s executive director, said “Passione Italiana” examines the technology and design of espresso machines, as well as the quest to create them, which began in 1884.