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.
13. Lively scenes in 2017
Bhangra dancers performing at Sunderland's Diwali Festival at the National Glass Centre, one of many celebrations held at the centre over the years. | Sunderland Echo
14. Piping in the haggis
Burns Day celebrations at the old Throwing Stones restaurant in the earlier years. | Sunderland Echo
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16. A glass act
A wearing glass exhibition was held in 2017 with broaches, bracelets and more. | Sunderland Echo