Keeping visitors safe 

• • While it is no longer mandatory to wear a face covering, visitors and participants may wish to wear a face mask in crowded areas and enclosed spaces in order that everyone may feel safe and secure when visiting, working or taking part. This will also help us reduce the risk of event cancellations.
  • Hand sanitiser remains available on entering the venue and throughout your visit.
  • We will maintain an enhanced cleaning regime throughout the building.
  • We are continuing to operate a cashless system in National Glass Centre including in our shop, café and car park.

Thank you for your support.

If you have any queries, please contact us on info@nationalglasscentre.com.

If you’re feeling unwell:

If you or anyone you live with display symptoms associated with COVID-19, please delay your visit until it is safe to do so. If you think you have symptoms visit:  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

This symbol indicates that National Glass Centre have followed government and industry guidelines and have a plan in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

You can download the NHS Test and Trace app on your smartphone.

Get help to download the app

There is also lots of advice on how to use the app, including how to check into a venue, on the NHS Test and Trace website.

How to use the app

Our amazing daily glass blowing, lathe and flameworking demonstrations are free and run throughout the day.

Experience the heat of our 1000 degree furnace and watch our expert glass making team craft stunning pieces before your eyes. Please do check the demonstrations are on before your visit as we occasionally have to make changes to our schedule due to special events.

Flame Working: 11.00 and 15.45 (15 mins)
Glass Blowing: 12.00 (weekdays) 12.00, 13.30 and 15.00 (weekends) (30 mins)
Glass Lathe: 13.00 (30 mins)

Please note
• Flameworking demonstrations happen at Wearside Glass Sculptures in National Glass Centre Shop. No booking required, limited space.
• There are no Glass Lathe or Flameworking demonstrations on Tuesdays.

Yes, just ask one of our Glass Blowers to reserve the piece of glass you have just watched being made at the end of the demonstration. Other Studio Glass made during other demonstrations is available to purchase from our in-venue Shop.

Yes, you can now purchase a range beautiful handmade studio glass, jewellery, prints and gift cards to be delivered straight to your front door.

All of your present buying sorted, or treat yourself, go on you deserve it!

Most of the items are one of a kind so make sure you have a browse before they’re gone.

SHOP NOW!

Yes! Our Hot Glass Studio glassmakers are incredibly talented artists , with years of glassmaking experience in industry and the art environment.

Over the coming weeks we will be able to take on commissions, in the meantime you can contact Christine Keers, our Hot Glass Studio Manager, with your enquiry.

If you’ve visited us before, you’ll be pleased to know, not much has had to change. Due to the spacious nature of our building we haven’t had to close any areas or exhibitions off to the public. We also still offer free entry.

We recommend you visit our Plan Your Visit page for general information such as directions, access information, links to our permanent and changing exhibitions as well as links to our experiences and activities.

It’s really important to us that you feel safe, enjoy your visit and most importantly have fun!

If you have an questions prior to your visit please do get in touch at info@nationalglasscentre.com.

National Glass Centre is part of Sunderland Culture, which is a registered charity (no 1184073). We rely on generous support so that everyone who lives, works or visits Sunderland can experience world-class culture.

Making a donation will help ensure our City’s cultural offer can emerge from this challenge more vibrant than ever.

If you’d like to help us continue bringing the very best glass and art from around the world here for the people of Sunderland and the North East, please text GLASS to 70085 to donate £3. Texts cost £3 plus one standard rate message.

Or you can support us by visiting our Just Giving page.

You can also make a donation in person at National Glass Centre.