National Glass Centre

National Glass Centre is a cultural venue dedicated to exploring ideas through glass and providing opportunities for people to be creative and enjoy themselves. Through a thought provoking and changing gallery programme, projects, permanent exhibitions and learning opportunities, NGC continues the legacy of Sunderland's historic links with glass making and creative enterprise.

Located in an innovative contemporary  glass and steel building on the north bank of the River Wear, NGC is part of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media at the University of Sunderland. It houses the UKs largest art glass making facility offering a range of courses and glass making experiences for all abilities - for schools, families, adults and children.

Our visitor services staff are available Monday -Sunday, 9am-5pm, in the main entrance to offer visitors advice, assistance and information.

The National Glass Centre won the Best Tourism Experience Award 2011 in the North East England Tourism Awards, for its unique glass experiences. It scooped the accolade at the annual event which showcases the best that tourism has to offer in the region. More than 40 businesses were competing for an award in a wide range of categories which
reflects the quality, performance and innovation of the region’s tourism sector and give businesses the chance to show how they stand out from the crowd.