Maker Faire Philadelphia
The Science History Institute’s new exhibition, Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks, explores the sparkling and explosive history of fireworks. With objects ranging from historic rare books and fine art, to consumer catalogs and the latest pyrotechnic technologies, this exhibition helps visitors understand the history and chemistry of fireworks in the context of our nation’s 250th anniversary.
Stop by our table to learn more about the exhibition, see examples of some of the featured fine art, and make some of your own with rainbow scratch paper!
What Is Maker Faire?
Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers and artists, to scientists and crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for “makers” to show their hobbies, experiments, and projects.
We call it the Greatest Show (& Tell) on Earth—a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Glimpse the future and get inspired!
Featured image from Pyrotechnics: The History and Art of Firework Making, 1922.
More events
From Our Forefathers: Climate Crisis in Chemistry History
We’ve teamed up with artist Aislinn Pentecost-Farren and ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026 festival to look at our museum through a new lens.
Stories of Science: Chemistry of Common Things
Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!
Fireworks Tour
Join our Gallery Guides for a drop-in tour of our special exhibition on the fascinating history and science of pyrotechnics.