KiMo Theater [Albuquerque]
KiMo Theater
theatre in Albuquerque
theater in Albuquerque
423 Central Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Built 1927 as a cinema for Oreste and Maria Bachechi in Pueblo Deco style (a fusion of Southwest Indian artwork and Art Deco design) by Carl Boller. Opened 19 Sep 1927 with the film Painting the Town. The name KiMo means mountain lion or, more freely interpreted, king of its kind. It was given to the theatre by Pablo Abeita, governor of the Isleta Pueblo (who won $50 for the name in a naming contest). The interior was designed to look like the inside of a ceremonial kiva partly open to the deep blue painted sky, with log-like ceiling beams painted with dance and hunt scenes. Over the stage were a row of buffalo skulls with glowing eyes. 1961 stage and proscenium destroyed by a fire. Plans to demolish the building in the 1970s. Since 1977 rescued and restored by the Friends of the KiMo and the city of Albuquerque. Winner of the National Trust's National Preservation Award 2001. Originally 720, today 690 seats.