Cottbus has a number of museums and galleries worth visiting. These include the Prince Pückler Museum, which illustrates the eccentric nobleman's way of life, and the Wendish Museum, which gives visitors an insight into the culture and history of the Sorbs and Wends of Lusatia.Prince Pückler Museum
The historically furnished rooms (19th century) at Branitz Palace house various exhibitions including the Life and Work of Prince Pückler and the Cottbus Collection by the Romantic painter Carl Blechen (1798-1840). Opposite the palace are the royal stables with their exhibition rooms and the Kavalierhaus, which is now a restaurant. Running between the two buildings, the pergola features reliefs by the Danish sculptor Berthel Thorwaldsen, cast-zinc copies of classical works and a bronze cast of the Venus Italica by Canova.Wendish Museum
The museum provides information about the cultural heritage of the Sorbs and Wends. These Slavic people were among the first to settle in this region. Their language and culture is still very much alive and can be experienced close up at a number of festivals. Exhibits at the museum range from traditional costume, literature, art and music to depictions of the unique customs and way of life of this Slavic people.