The Rococo Theatre (1752/53) by Nicolas de Pigage is the oldest still existing theatre in Europe featuring tiers without boxes. Just 20 years after its inauguration it was remodelled in the Classicist style on the order of the art loving Elector Carl Theodor of the Palatinate. Today the simultaneity of the two styles gives the theatre its special appeal. The Rococo Theatre at Schwetzingen Palace was a venue for the Mannheimer Hofkapelle, for (first) performances of works by Voltaire, Gluck and J. Chr. Bach. This tradition continues with the SWR Schwetzingen Festival (Schwetzinger Festspiele) in May and the Mozart Weeks in September, when recitals and opera productions can be enjoyed in the Rococo Theatre. Also worthwhile seeing is the famous palace garden with its delightful 18th century buildings.