The National Glass Centre is located alongside the River Wear near Sunderland city centre and is adjacent to the University of Sunderland's St. Peter's Campus.

Built in 1998 on the site of a former shipyard, the Centre recognises the long history that Sunderland has in glass production, dating back to medieval times.

Its aim is "to be a centre of national excellence supporting the production, exploration, presentation and enjoyment of contemporary glass".