The Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world, located in St. Petersburg, Russia, housing an extraordinary collection spanning millions of items.
Originally assembled as a private collection for a single empress, this museum's holdings have grown so vast over the following centuries that visitors would need years to view every single item on display.
Founded by Catherine the Great
The Hermitage Museum's original collection was assembled by Catherine the Great in the 18th century, beginning as a private imperial art collection before its later expansion.
An Extraordinarily Vast Collection
The museum houses an estimated three million items, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world, spanning ancient artifacts to modern art.
Housed in the Winter Palace
The museum occupies the former Winter Palace, the primary residence of Russian tsars, adding significant historical and architectural weight to the museum's already extensive art collection.
A World-Renowned Cultural Institution
The Hermitage remains one of the world's most significant cultural institutions, drawing millions of visitors annually to explore its vast and historically significant art collection.
