The first commercial motion picture house opened in New York City, utilizing ten Kinetoscopes, which were early devices created for individual viewing of moving pictures. These machines allowed users to see short films through a peephole, making it a personal and interactive viewing experience. With the advent of Kinetoscopes, the concept of watching moving images began to take shape, introducing audiences to a new form of entertainment that would soon capture the world's imagination. This establishment did not present film in a communal theater setting as we recognize today. Instead, it catered to consumers on an individual basis, reflecting the transitional phase of cinema from a novelty amusement to a formal entertainment industry.

Located in a bustling area of New York, the motion picture house quickly became a popular attraction among city dwellers. The films shown ranged from simple everyday scenes to more elaborate performances, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in diverse animations and stories. The opening of this same theater catalyzed a change in leisure activities, increasingly drawing people away from traditional live performances and diversions. Filmmakers recognized the potential of visual storytelling, stimulating greater creativity and competition in the industry, which would ultimately lead to the establishment of narrative films and larger film exhibitions as technology improved.