Free exhibition at the Science History Institute breaks down the flash, bang and boom of fireworks

OLD CITY (WPVI) -- "Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks" at the Science History Institute is a blast.

The free exhibition, in celebration of America's 250th, explores the history and science behind the spectacular Fourth of July tradition.

Visitors get a literal look inside the aerial shells that burst into those sparkly explosions, and learn everything that goes into a fireworks show, from testing, designing, launching and selling.

It is believed the Chinese were the first to make fireworks. But the ones popular in America today derive from a firework brought to the United States at the turn of the 20th century by Italian immigrants.

The exhibit runs through July 31, 2027 at the Science History Institute.

Science History Institute: Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks | Facebook |Instagram
315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106