![NewHermitageBldg](http://petersburg.pages.wm.edu/files/2011/12/HermitageMuseum-150x150.jpg)
The Hermitage (Государственный Эрмитаж) is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. The origins of the Hermitage can be traced back to the private art collection of Tsar Peter the Great, who purchased a large variety of works during his travels to Europe. Founded in 1764 by Tsarina Catherine the Great, it has been open to the public since 1852.