Sorbian Institute, Research center for Sorbian studies in Bautzen, Germany

The Sorbian Institute is a research facility in Bautzen dedicated to studying the Sorbian language, history, and traditions. It holds a central library and archives containing materials from both Upper and Lower Lusatia collected and examined by specialists.

The institute was founded in 1951 by Pawoł Nowotny as the Institute for Sorbian Ethnology (Institut za serbski ludospyt), emerging from the scholarly section of Domowina. It joined the German Academy of Sciences in Berlin in 1952 and later the GDR Academy of Sciences. On 1 January 1992, Brandenburg and Saxony re-established it as the Sorbian Institute, with its seat in Bautzen and a branch in Cottbus.

The institute serves as a place where visitors can learn about Sorbian language, customs, and heritage that continue in the Lusatia region today. The work here demonstrates how this culture remains active in daily life and local traditions.

The facility provides access to its archives and hosts exhibitions where visitors can learn more about the culture. Those interested in research or in-depth archive access should contact the institute beforehand to arrange a visit.

The institute collaborates with schools and Leipzig University while maintaining a long-standing publication tradition in academic research. This partnership helps keep Sorbian studies alive in the broader academic community.