Important Visitor Notice

From Sunday 16 March 2025, National Glass Centre will close on Sundays.

This will bring it in line with the opening hours of other galleries and museums across the city. National Glass Centre remains open with our usual programme of exhibitions and activities Monday-Saturday.

Additionally, in line with the new opening hours, Glass Yard Café will also close on Sundays and offer a revised menu on Mondays.

Read the full statement from University of Sunderland about the planned changes:  University of Sunderland Statement

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A group of children and adults stand behind a barrier and watch as molten glass is poured out of a metal ladle and into a dish of sand.
A group of children and adults stand behind a barrier and watch as molten glass is poured out of a metal ladle and into a dish of sand.

Learn & Create with National Glass Centre & Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art

Children & Families

Enjoy a day out with the family at National Glass Centre and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art. Find out about our family space, children’s workshops and activity spaces.

Four colourful backpacks, one orange, one green, one pink and one blue, sit on a table. In front is a pair of binoculars and various shapes of thick glass.

Adventure Backpacks

Free activity | ages 4+

Discover National Glass Centre and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art with our fun trail for all the family.

Ask for your backpacks at Visitors Services when you get here.

Children playing in a room with colourful chairs and toys. The room has a wall of glass looking out on a collection of green trees.

Learning Studios

Free family spaces | all ages

Our Learning Studios are filled with colouring activities and fun toys for little ones.

When they aren’t in use, visitors are welcome to explore and enjoy.

A blue wooden box with the words Activity Trolley printed in white. The trolley has six windows cut out with various toys in each slot. There are also books placed on the top of the trolley

Activity Trolley

Free activity | all ages

Explore the activity trolley next to our reception desk and get creative with drawing and colouring sheets for all our visitors.

Two smiling babies. Both have had red berets and painted moustaches added to their image using computer design software.

Little Artists Drop In

Free activity | under 5’s

Come along to our Little Artists Drop-In every Monday during term time, where your under 5’s can explore the world around them through imaginative play in self-led activities.

Sessions are free, fun, and tailored to support early learning and exploration.

Upcoming events for Children & Families

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Animal Sandcasting
Limited Availability
A fused glass hedgehog

Children and Young People's Activities

Animal Sandcasting

25 Feb – 22 Apr 2025

5+

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National Glass Centre

Glass Painted Animal Tiles
2 smiling girls crafting at National Glass Centre. Both girls have long hair and are sitting at a desk. The girl on the left is wearing a stripey t-shirt. The girl on the right also has a striped shirt on, she also has large yellow flowers sewn onto the top.

Children and Young People's Activities

Glass Painted Animal Tiles

16 – 24 Apr 2025

4+

More

National Glass Centre

Daily glass making demonstrations

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

Glass making – 12:00, 13:45, 15:00 daily*

Flameworking – 11:00, 15:45. Not available on Tuesday or Sunday.

*Check out website alerts for schedule changes before visiting.