After millions of visitors, countless artworks and events and even more memories, National Glass Centre closes its doors today.
Campaigners are still fighting passionately to save the NGC, which honours 1350 years of glassmaking on Wearside.
It’s become a real landmark for the city, but at less than 30 years old is closing today after owners University of Sunderland announced three years ago that they could no longer afford to repair or fund the upkeep of the major visitor centre and its glassmaking facilities.
You can read the latest from the campaigners here.
As part of a series of lookback features on this cultural and heritage asset on the banks of the Wear, here’s some more photos from our archive over the decades, from Royal Visits to some real glass acts.
13. A 2011 exhibition
Songs of the Sea exhibition at the National Glass Centre with artist Lauren Belum | Sunderland Echo
14. Cheer cheer
Cheerleaders Jenna Tiffany and Danielle Smith promoting a table football event | Sunderland Echo
15. Glass magic
Sunderland Empire Aladdin panto stars, left to right, Derek Moran, Leanne Kyte and Matthew Dale, create glass baubles in 2015 | Sunderland Echo
16. Up on the roof
A tai chi session on the roof as part of Chinese New Year celebrations. | Sunderland Echo