The first cinematograph for fairs was demonstrated in 1896, and new
shows bounded by technical developments of this invention appeared
by 1900.  It was the era of scientific names like Bioscope, Biograph,
Magic Performance, Bio-tableau, Royal Electric Bioscope or Imperial
Bioscope, the property of the family Auduin in the west of France.

This sort of attraction featured a hall for the projections and a large
front with doors to admit the public.  The organ and the Bioscope were
powered by a steam engine located in the front (at the right or left).

Different firms have made these special huge front facades, like
Gavioli, Marenghi.  The very well-known firm Limonaire Freres built
many of them including the organ, pay desk, doors and steam engine
(see Bowers' Encyclopedia, page 880).

Francoise Dussour