Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower

About

(The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower) will be reopening on Monday 24 August 2020. Tickets will be available to pre-book from Thursday 6 August at 12 noon.

Explosion! the Museum of Naval Firepower, is a hands on, interactive museum set in the historic setting of a former gunpowder and munitions depot at Priddy’s Hard, on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour. Priddy’s Hard was once a busy Naval Armament supply depot that provided the Royal Navy with its ammunition for over two hundred years.

Telling the story of naval warfare from the days of gunpowder to modern missiles, the two hour tour of the museum includes a stunning multi media film show set in the original 18th century gunpowder vault.

There's a fascinating social history too, including the story of how 2,500 women worked on the site during its peak in World War II. It describes the role that Priddy's Hard played in naval operations worldwide for over 200 years, as well as its importance to the local Gosport community, which not only armed the Navy but also fed and watered it.

Explosion! has a Gift Shop and Waterside Coffee Shop area that are open to non-visitors, so please stop by and enjoy the Camber Dock overlooking the stunning views of the harbour.

Entrance to Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower is included as part of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s Full Navy Ticket. Tickets are valid for a year allowing you to return again and again.

The museum is based on one floor with even floor access throughout. On a couple of occasions, you will find a change in the floor level, but ramps are built throughout the building.  The admissions till has an induction loop for hearing impaired visitors. 

The museum is family friendly and pushchairs are welcome.