National Glass Centre

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.