The glass collection contains works from ancient Greek and Rome times through to contemporary Australian examples. There are extensive holdings of 18th and 19th century English glass and 20th century Scandinavian glass but the collection also contains a small group of Italian 20th century pieces, mainly from the Venini factory, and English cut glass from the pre-second World War period with particularly fine examples by Clyne Farqharson and Keith Murray. Dutch glass predominantly from the Leerdam factory is well represented with unique pieces by Andries Dirk Copier and Floris Meydam as well as limited edition pieces and production wares.

20th century Scandinavian glass has been collected since the commencement of the Gallery in 1961 when this glass movement was at its peak. Good examples are held of the major Swedish and Finnish glass houses with lesser holdings from Denmark and Norway. These are essentially the classic pieces from the mid-century period and continue to be collected today.

Post 2000 there is an increasing emphasis on studio produced glass from both Australia and elsewhere.