The State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg is one of the largest art museums in the world. It was founded in 1764 by the Empress Catherine the Great. Today it houses an enormous collection of paintings, graphic works, applied art, numismatic coins and archaeological objects. Museum’s visitors can learn about the vibrant history and culture of Russia, take a guided tour of the buildings, including the Winter Palace, Menshikov Palace and Museum of Porcelain, or admire the largest collection of paintings in the world.