Which European capital contains the Hermitage Museum, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great?

Saint Petersburg is the European capital—or former national capital—containing the Hermitage Museum, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great.

The State Hermitage Museum began when Empress Catherine II acquired a large collection of paintings in 1764. It grew into one of the world’s largest museums, occupying several historic buildings along the Neva River, including the Winter Palace.

Saint Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and served as Russia’s capital from 1712 until 1918, when the government moved to Moscow. The city was renamed Petrograd in 1914 and Leningrad in 1924 before regaining its original name in 1991.

The Hermitage is often described simply as being in Russia, but its specific location is Saint Petersburg. Its collections span European art, antiquities, archaeology, and objects from many cultures.