Illycaffè partners with the National Gallery

Italian coffee company illycaffè has announced a partnership with the National Gallery in London.

The year-long partnership will see illy support the gallery's pop-up catering offer this summer, including an alfresco café at the front of the gallery and an illy Espresso Bar inside.

Illycaffè will also become a supporter of the gallery's Contemporary Art Programme with the forthcoming Kehinde Wiley exhibition.

The opening of the café coincides with the launch of an outdoor exhibition in Trafalgar Square showcasing more than 20 life-sized replicas of some of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery's collection. The open-air exhibition will run until 2 September and is part of London's Inside Out Festival, a celebration of art and culture to encourage visitors back into London's West End.

Visitors to the gallery will also be able to buy illy coffee at the illy Espresso Bar inside the Gallery until 30 September.

Massimiliano Pogliani, chief executive of illycaffè, said: "Through this new partnership, illy extends its commitment to promote beauty in all forms, especially through contemporary art. For over 25 years the company has sustained art and culture, supporting artists, institutions, and international exhibitions".

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