National Glass Centre

National Glass Centre Inspiring people to learn about, make and enjoy contemporary glass. We also run a variety of fun, hands-on activities for children and young people.
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This page is monitored on weekdays between 9-5, outside of these hours please visit our website or call us on 0191 515 5555. National Glass Centre at the University of Sunderland is a cultural attraction and venue with a difference. With glass at the heart of everything we do, we celebrate Sunderland’s glass making heritage and explore the creative potential of this extraordinary material. Discove

r the origins, growth and legacy of glass making in Sunderland with our permanent exhibition, Stories of Glass in Sunderland. Using compelling personal stories from local people and striking audio visual displays, this interactive exhibition traces the history of glass making in the City from the 7th Century to the present day. Our gallery spaces host our international exhibitions programme, which presents the work of leading contemporary artists in glass and ceramics. If you are looking for a creative experience, you’ll love our range of glass making, jewellery and craft workshops and courses. Our popular, free glass blowing demonstrations run throughout the day and families can explore our exhibition spaces with themed tours and treasure hunts. For a bite to eat with a view, try The Glass Yard, serving breakfast, lunch and homemade sweet treats by the riverside. Complete your visit with a browse in our shop and choose the perfect souvenir for your day out from our selection of beautiful glass and ceramic artworks and jewellery, hand-crafted by local artists.

Due to a last minute cancellation, we have one place available for our Stained Glass for Beginners workshop.Learn to cut...
03/06/2026

Due to a last minute cancellation, we have one place available for our Stained Glass for Beginners workshop.

Learn to cut glass and lead the pieces together to make a finished flat panel.
▶ Join artist Gill McGinley for a Stained Glass For Beginners course.

📅 Wednesday 10 June
▶ 10am - 2pm / Age 16+ / £70

ℹ Book now: https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/stained-glass-for-beginners/

Don't miss the preview of Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art's latest exhibitions. This Friday from 4pm. Limited free...
03/06/2026

Don't miss the preview of Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art's latest exhibitions. This Friday from 4pm.
Limited free tickets available.
Info below 👇

Be the first to see our new exhibitions. 📢

Join us on Friday for the preview of Hands On: Pedagogy, Practice, Research and Anna-Marie Gallares: I Carry It With Me.

▶ Drinks on arrival. On-site parking available.

📅 Friday 5 June
▶ 4pm - 6pm / Free - Booking essential
Limited free tickets available.

ℹ Book now: https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/preview-hands-on-pedagogy-practice-research-anna-marie-gallares-i-carry-it-with-me/

🙏Supported by University of Sunderland, Arts Council England, Sunderland City Council, UK Government.

🖌 Image: Hannah Gawne, Mixed Up Dotty Mess, 2026, screenprint, 52 x 52cm. Courtesy of the artist

📢 Due to demand, new Children and Families sessions added. 🖌 Glass Painting - Come along and paint your own designs onto...
29/05/2026

📢 Due to demand, new Children and Families sessions added.

🖌 Glass Painting - Come along and paint your own designs onto a glass tile.

📅 Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 July
▶ 10am - 11am / 12pm - 1pm / 2pm - 3pm
▶ £5 / Ages 5+

🎟 Book now: https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/glass-painting/

▶ Featuring  the work of 52 artists, The Graduates is a celebration of the incredible achievements and successes of the ...
26/05/2026

▶ Featuring the work of 52 artists, The Graduates is a celebration of the incredible achievements and successes of the University of Sunderland’s Glass and Ceramics Department over the past three decades.

🕙 10am - 5pm / Free
▶ Showing in National Glass Centre Gallery, Balcony Gallery & Research Gallery.

ℹ More info: https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/the-graduates/

Image credit: Anthony Amoako-Attah, My Summer and My Winter, 2022. Courtesy of the Artist

🙏 We would like to thank the following sponsors: Simon West Interiors, The wonderful company of Glass Sellers of London, The Glass Society, and John McKenzie Photography.

Don't miss our free glassmaking demonstrations▶ Experience the heat of our 1000-degree furnace and watch our expert glas...
12/05/2026

Don't miss our free glassmaking demonstrations

▶ Experience the heat of our 1000-degree furnace and watch our expert glassmaking team craft works of art right before your eyes.

📅 Monday – Saturday
🕛 12pm, 1:45pm, 3pm

⚠ We would recommend checking website alerts for schedule changes before visiting.
https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/national-glass-centre

Address

Liberty Way
Sunderland
SR60GL

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441915155555

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