About National Glass Centre

Delve into the world of glass at National Glass Centre. Find out how glass arrived in Britain, how it’s made, and discover Sunderland’s rich glass making heritage. Watch the glass making process live in one of our glass demonstrations which take every day. Or get even closer to the action and book a hands-on glass making experience. In our exhibition spaces, you can marvel at wonderful works from both established and emerging glass and ceramics artists.

With a huge programme of family crafts, we encourage everyone to have a go. Keep an eye out for things to do, especially around school holiday times on our What’s On page. While you’re here, pick up a souvenir in our gift shop. From kid’s toys to limited edition prints, there’s something for everyone.

Finally, end your day with a well-earned rest in The Glass Yard café with stunning views out onto the River Wear.

Glass in Sunderland

Glass making is a key element in the history of Sunderland. It brings together the city’s religious, social and industrial heritage.

In the Seventh Century, the Anglo-Saxon abbott, Saint Benedict Biscop brought glassmaking to Sunderland. Biscop and his team of glazors produced the stained glass for the impressive windows at Bishopwearmouth Monastery. Fast forward over 1300 years later, and glassmaking industry in Sunderland was thriving. Craftsmen in Sunderland factories, such as Pyrex and Hartley Woods went on to produce some of the finest glass in the world.

Our resident glass makers keep those skills alive. They’re trained in the art of turning molten glass into beautiful pieces of art. Developed to profile the importance of glass making in the region, the National Glass Centre builds on Sunderland’s great history of glass making.

In 1994, the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation held an open competition for the design of National Glass Centre. The winners were Gollifer Associates. Built on the site of former Thompson and Sons shipyard, the Glass Centre is less than half a mile from where English glassmaking began. A unique structure, the building features 3250 square metres of clear glass. It is also the first Arts Lottery Funded building. In October 1998, HRH Prince Charles officially opened the Centre.

In May 2010, the University of Sunderland took over the running of National Glass Centre. The Director of National Glass Centre, appointed in 2021, is Rachel Smith.

Sunderland Culture is a registered charity and delivers the programme in National Glass Centre and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art. The charity brings together the University of Sunderland, Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture trust to deliver the programme in some of Sunderland’s best-loved cultural assets.

Today, National Glass Centre welcomes over 230,000 visitors per year. We aim to inspire the people of Sunderland through contemporary glass, as well as enrich the cultural landscape of our city.