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.

Don't miss this fantastic free artist in conversation event at Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art. Secure your ticket...
16/06/2026

Don't miss this fantastic free artist in conversation event at Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art.

Secure your tickets below 👇

Gallery Event Alert

▶ Join us on Thursday 2 July to hear from several artists whose work is currently on display as part of the Hands On: Pedagogy, Practice, Research exhibition.

▶ Free - booking essential
6:30pm - 8pm

▶ Secure your free tickets: https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/hands-on-event-artists-in-conversation-and-speaking-in-tongues-workshop/

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

▶ Image credit: Fiona Larkin, I love the bones of you (detail), 2026, ink on paper and black and white photocopy, 29.7 x 21cm. Courtesy of the artist.

Here comes the summer...It’s time for the kids to unleash their inner artist. Head over to National Glass Centre during ...
14/06/2026

Here comes the summer...

It’s time for the kids to unleash their inner artist. Head over to National Glass Centre during the school holidays and they can paint their own designs onto a glass tile.

📅 Tuesday 21 - Thursday 23 July
Various times / Ages 4+ / £5

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

Looking for a fun creative activity for the little ones ? 🦤 Join us for Glass Fusing this weekend.🐰 Design personalised...
09/06/2026

Looking for a fun creative activity for the little ones ?

🦤 Join us for Glass Fusing this weekend.
🐰 Design personalised art using colorful glass in the shape of a bird or rabbit – will it be realistic or fantastical?

📅 Saturday 13 June
🕙 10am - 11am & 12pm - 1pm: Selling Fast / 2pm - 3pm: Sold Out
▶ Ages 5+ / £12

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

Due to a cancellation, we have one final place available for our Stained Glass for Beginners workshop. ▶This will likel...
06/06/2026

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

▶This will likely be the final place available for this course at National Glass Centre. Don't miss out. Secure your spot now.

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

ℹ Book now: https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/flameworked-marbles/

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/

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

Website

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