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Cabinets Unlocked, 17 Oct–1 Nov 2026
Exhibitions

Cabinets Unlocked, 17 Oct–1 Nov 2026

Sat 17 Oct · 11:30

Ham House and Garden

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15°C · 21% rain

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About This Event

Cabinets Unlocked is an exhibition at Ham House and Garden in London, providing a rare opportunity to see inside decorative cabinets that are typically only opened twice a year. The event runs on selected dates and requires admission.

Join us for Cabinets Unlocked, a rare opportunity to see inside these highly decorative pieces.

Opened just twice a year, the cabinets are normally kept closed to protect the pristine interiors from overexposure to light, and to avoid excessive wear on hinges and locks. These special events coincide with the conservation team’s careful condition checks of the collection.

Over twenty prized cabinets and writing desks will be opened and on display around the house, as well as strongboxes and miniature cabinets.

Ham’s collection of cabinets includes examples of marquetry, lacquer, and exquisite veneers from countries around the world including Japan, China, and Holland as well as England.

Highlights include the Ivory Cabinet in the North Drawing Room which dates from around 1660. In the Long Gallery, see inside three cabinets including the Marquetry Cabinet. Installed in Ham House around 1675, it is one of the earliest recorded examples of floral marquetry in England.

From 19 to 23 October, our volunteer guides will also give short pop-up talks in the Long Gallery (subject to volunteer availability).

Cabinets Unlocked runs during the house’s visiting hours. Ham House is open daily 11.30–3.30 (last entry at 3). Please note the Long Gallery is accessed via stairs.

Description supplied by the event organiser.

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Frequently asked questions

Cabinets Unlocked, 17 Oct–1 Nov 2026 takes place on Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 11:30. The event runs until Sunday, 1 November 2026.

Cabinets Unlocked, 17 Oct–1 Nov 2026 is held at Ham House and Garden in London (Ham Street, Ham, Richmond, Surrey).

The forecast for Cabinets Unlocked, 17 Oct–1 Nov 2026 is Clear · 15°C.

Yes — hotels within walking distance of Ham House and Garden can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.

Tickets for Cabinets Unlocked, 17 Oct–1 Nov 2026 can be booked via nationaltrust.org.uk using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.

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