The Water Theater Grotto is an iconic feature of the Palace of Versailles. Located in the gardens, it was designed by André Le Nôtre and completed in 1671. The grotto is composed of a series of pools and fountains that create a spectacular water show when the pumps are turned on. It includes statues, ornamental rocks, and marble benches around its perimeter to provide seating for visitors. The grotto’s most impressive feature is its dome-shaped roof with an oculus at its center that allows sunlight to stream through onto the pool below. The overall effect is one of beauty and awe as visitors watch the performance put on by this majestic structure.