Hermitage Day is observed in Saint Petersburg every December 7, celebrating the anniversary of the Hermitage Museum, one of the world's largest and most renowned art museums. The museum offers free admission to its permanent exhibitions and hosts a special program of events. The origins of the Hermitage date back to December 7, 1764, when Empress Catherine the Great began her art collection by purchasing a significant number of paintings from merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky. Over the years, the collection expanded dramatically, and the museum transitioned from a private collection to a public institution during the reign of Nicholas I. Today, the Hermitage comprises five buildings along the Palace Embankment and features an extensive collection of artworks, including pieces by masters like Rembrandt and Titian. The celebration has evolved into Hermitage Days, lasting about ten days and including various activities such as temporary exhibitions and projection mapping shows.