The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, it has been open to the public since 1852. Its collections comprise over three million items, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. The museum is spread across a complex of six historic buildings along Palace Embankment, including the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors. The Hermitage's architecture is a blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Russian styles. Inside, visitors can explore the lavishly decorated state rooms and extensive galleries. The museum's exhibits range from prehistoric artifacts and classical antiquities to European and Eastern art, along with modern pieces. Works by masters such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Rembrandt are housed here. The Hermitage is not only a treasury of art but also a symbol of Russian culture and history.