Explosion is a new visitor experience on the shores of Portsmouth Harbour, Explosion tells the story of naval firepower from gunpowder to the Exocet. It is housed in historic buildings at Priddy's Hard. The £3.5 million project has been funded by the Millennium Commission as part of the Renaissance of Portsmouth Harbour Millennium Scheme.

The museum is housed in a group of buildings which centre around the original powder magazine of 1777. The museum's unique collection was mostly assembled by superintendents of the former Naval Armaments Depot at Priddy's Hard.

Throughout the exhibition, the story is brought to life with dramatic audio-visual effects, interactive computer and hands-on displays. Explosion is the centre piece of a 22 acre area acquired by Gosport Borough Council from the MOD in 1994.

In 1759 the Board of Ordnance purchased 40 acres of land from Jane Priddy to construct an earth rampart as part of the defences of Portsmouth Harbour. Soon afterwards, the Board decided to relocate the gunpowder stores from Portsmouth to Priddy's Hard for safety reasons.

During the 19th century further magazines and buildings were added including the installation of a narrow gauge railway system across the whole site and the construction of piers on the Harbour. Explosion has got its own web site at www.explosion.org.uk