Cabinets Unlocked, 11–24 October 2025
Explore the beautiful craftsmanship and exquisite interiors of Ham House's collection of decorative cabinets in the Cabinets Unlocked event, 11–24 October 2025.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
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 bi-annual 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 a harpsichord.
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.
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 12-4 (last entry 3.30). Please note the Long Gallery is accessed via stairs.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
There is a ramp to the ground floor of the house. Please note, the upper floors are accessed via stairs.
Upcoming events
Dolphin chairs display at Ham House
See a display of three newly-conserved Dolphin chairs, which feature in BBC Two's 'Hidden Treasures of the National Trust'. Discover how conservators at Blickling and Knole approached treating these rare pieces from the 1670s.
Senex globes display at Ham House
A rare surviving pair of 18th-century globes return to Ham House from conservation. From 14 June to 2 November, see a display of our celestial and terrestrial globes in the Back Parlour.
BBC Hidden Treasures objects on display at Ham House
We’re in the new series of the BBC’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust. Visit Ham House to see some of the objects which feature.
Summer of Play at Ham House and Garden
Enjoy playful family days out at Ham House and Garden from Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 31 August 2025 with Summer of Play. Free activities (normal admission applies).