Join us in spring for the explosive opening of Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks!

With objects ranging from historic rare books to the latest pyrotechnic technologies, this exhibition features a globe-spinning story that spans centuries. Explore the science of celebrations as we mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, right here in Old City Philadelphia.

This event is FREE, but registration is required. Signups will open in early 2026!

Featured image: Panorama of the National Firework Display at Hyde Park, 19th July, 1919, colorized illustration from Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, 1922.

More events

book opened to annotated skeleton illustration
October 11, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science: Spooky Science

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

Monopoly: Go Green Edition board game
October 12, 2025
Free

Board Games at the Rail Park

Spend your Sunday outdoors with Institute staff! Get an overview of the history of U.S. environmental policy and major environmental events through an amusing assortment of environmental board games.

Book illustration in color of early lab apparatus
October 16, 2025
Conferences & Symposia

Fall 2025 Meeting of the Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry

Invited speakers will present on topics ranging from medieval medicine to modern climate science.

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