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 due to close its doors on July 31, 2026, 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.
In the final week of what’s become a treasured heritage and cultural asset in the city, we’re taking a look back through our hundreds of archive photos from over the decades, from visits from former PM Boris Johnson to dancing on the roof.
Here’s the first in our series of galleries.
5. Santa reaches new heights
Echo reporter Kevin Clark going over the top for the PDSA abseil from the roof of the National Glass Centre in 2010. | Sunderland Echo
6. Striking a pose
A charity fashion night at National Glass centre in 2011 hosted by Zeebra Models. Models from left, Jade Williamson, Jen Kane, Katie Maw, designer Rachel Powell, and Rebecca Burdon | Sunderland Echo
7. On your marks in 2011
Official launch of the Sunderland City 10K. Race organiser Steve Cram with Sunderland University students, Alex Morris, Gina Falkner and David Fairley on the route past the National Glass Centre. | Sunderland Echo
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8. Sunderland in the political spotlight
Then PM Boris Johnson chairing the regional cabinet meeting in January 2020. | Sunderland Echo