Albuquerque Sights

KiMo Theatre Review

When the KiMo was built, in 1927, Route 66 was barely established and running on its original alignment: north-south on 4th Street. Downtown was the center of activity, and movie palaces were the national rage. Local merchant Oreste Bachechi saw his moment, and hired architect Carl Boller to design a theater that would reflect the local zeitgeist. And that he did. Decorated with light fixtures made from buffalo skulls (the eye sockets glow amber in the dark), Navajo symbols, and nine spectacular Western-themed wall murals by Carl Von Hassler, the KiMo represents Pueblo Deco at its apex. Luckily, it was saved from the wrecking ball in 1977, and now, fully restored, it stands—one of the few notable early-20th-century structures remaining in Downtown Albuquerque. The self-guided tour is a must (guided tours can also be arranged by appointment), or, even better, catch a live performance.

    Contact Information

  • Address: 423 Central Ave. NW, at 5th St., Downtown, Albuquerque, 87102 | Map It
  • Phone: 505/768-3522 theater; 505/768-3544 event info
  • Cost: Free self-guided tours
  • Hours: Tues.--Fri. 8:30--4:30, Sat. 11--5.
  • Website: www.cabq.gov/kimo
  • Location: Downtown

Fodorite Reviews

Be the first to review this property

Free Fodor's Newsletter

Subscribe today for weekly travel inspiration, tips, and special offers.

· Forums Trip Reports

View more trip reports

·,

  • Albuquerque to Denver

    We would like to have comments on our itinerary please:
    We have been to Santa Fe and Taos, but are traveling with a 24 yo daughter who has not. Read more

View more travel discussions

· News & Features

View more blog stories