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Rani Lacy: revealing an Indian treasure

Explore the culture, craftsmanship and creativity surrounding one of the National Trust's greatest treasures: the Visakhapatnam cabinet.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

This 18th century, ivory-inlaid cabinet is an astonishing and magnificent work of art.

Created by Indian craftspeople more than two centuries ago, recent conservation work has brought hidden details to light.

Discover the leading conservation techniques used to stabilise the cabinet, and explore the cultural interrelationship between Europe and India at this period through items from other National Trust properties.

Also on display will be an original painting by Alyina Zaidi, a 21st century response to this 18th century masterpiece. This was designed to be broken into sections for an installation in the garden; take a stroll to Lady Walk at the start of the Japanese Garden to see an avenue of textiles.

In the Saloon, you can see a dress created by students from Arts University Bournemouth and inspired by the cabinet.

No booking required.

Normal admission charges applies. National Trust members will need to show their membership cards at Visitor Reception and non-members will need to pay the admission price (from £23 per adult, £11.50 per child) or join the National Trust (this can be done on arrival at Kingston Lacy).

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

The cabinet is on display in a fully accessible space. Personal wheelchairs and mobility scooters are welcome. If borrowing a Kingston Lacy mobility scooter you will need to transfer to a manual wheelchair to access the exhibition space. The dress and other elements will not be accessible

Meeting point

Meet in the main entrance hall of the house. Level access entrance available via the Laundry Courtyard.

Upcoming events

The Pikachu Art Adventure at Kingston Lacy 

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1 Oct to 8 Nov 2026
at 09:30 to 15:00+ 38 other dates or times

Introduction to Reduction Linocut 

Design a unique print, a perfect gift for yourself or someone special. Robin Mackenzie will lead this workshop, perfect for beginners looking to learn a new technique or for those wishing to expand their knowledge of linocut printing.

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3 Oct 2026
at 10:30 to 16:00

Stepping into Parkinson’s and nature: walking programme 

Developed alongside our Parkinson’s running programme this walking group will help those living with Parkinson's become more active or maintain an active lifestyle and get out in nature at Kingston Lacy.

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5 Oct to 23 Nov 2026
at 14:00 to 15:00+ 7 other dates or times

Nordic Walking for Parkinson’s 

To complement our Parkinson’s running and walking groups, Dorset Council are offering Nordic Walking sessions to help those living with Parkinson's to become more active or maintain an active lifestyle and get out in nature at Kingston Lacy.

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on
5 Oct to 23 Nov 2026
at 14:00 to 15:00+ 7 other dates or times