What a super place, glass blowing experience was very interesting and informative, we purchased the piece we had watched going from a hot blob of glass to an extremely attractive vase- entailed returning the following day but worth it. The young lady in the exhibition was very knowledgeable about the display of artworks. And to round off the visit we ate lunch in the restaurant, excellent food, friendly staff and superb view of the river. Will definitely return
The National Glass Centre is another hidden gem in Sunderland, a city much maligned by locals and outsiders alike.
The NGC is a world renowned centre of excellence for hot glass works and ceramics. Regular displays of the glass blowing and shaping skills both entertain and educate. Amazing examples of the glassworkers craft are for sale and the shop stocks examples from outside the region.
Well worth a visit and don't miss St. Peter's Anglo Saxon church nearby which was the reason for bringing these glassworking skills to Sunderland, over 1,350 years ago.
First time of visiting. Was quite impressed. Lovely cup of tea in the cafe. My great Aunt worked for years at Pyrex so was quite interesting to find out the history. Amazing views across the river/port.
Leaving aside the brutal architecture of the entrance the rest of the building has much to offer. Lovely, well maintained building with great displays of glass. Very informative and impressive. The cafe offers a clean friendly service with great views of the R. Wear. Free admission and absolutely well worth a visit.
Beautiful place to walk through and explore. I had an iced latte at the cafe and walked along the river. There is plenty of seating in the cafe and outside. The displays are breathtaking, as is the glass blowing demonstration. The center is free. The front desk helped me get a taxi when it started raining, the lady was lovely.
Beautiful building and glass art pieces! A must see if you r visiting Sunderland. Nice cafe too. I really enjoyed the glass blowing demo ! The man narrating was funny and engaging, make sure to check the schedule before u visit to see what’s on.
Had a lovely time today with my toddler, he loved the little activities that were set up.
Great place to visit, great displays and demonstrations all free
Parking very reasonable .60p/hr? As well as a lovely cafe with lovely cake, coffee and light lunches
Free entry, art exhibitions, glass blowing and sculpture. Restaurant for contemplating the magnificent views of a working river. Sculpture trail along the riverbank. Fabulous place!
Visited this amazing place with my 3 adult daughters as part of my BD weekend treat. If you like glass in any form you'll love this place. We watched a great glass blowing demo where the resident glass sculptor formed a beautiful 'RUBY RUBY RUBY' bowl from a blob of white hot glass "fabulous".
The gift shop has a great selection for all tastes and pockets....the marbles section will take you right back the playground. And I have a beautiful blue vase to remind me of a great morning with my girls. Deffo worth a visit 🏺🥂🧿🪩
Absolutely brilliant. Donation entry suggestion of £3 but wow is there alot to see and read over the two floors. Fab cafe, helpful staff, live demonstrations and a brilliant gift shop. My husband had to drag me out of there lol Will definitely be back. If you love art and Glass then this is the place for you to visit....
Amazing demonstrations. The display of intricate glass work is something to behold. Nice quite setting on the harbour
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