KiMo Theater 🇺🇸

Step into the KiMo Theatre in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a historic landmark positioned at the northeast corner of Central Avenue and Fifth Street. Conceived in 1927 by Italian-American entrepreneur Oreste Bachechi and his wife Maria Franceschi Bachechi as a tribute to the Native Americans who embraced their family, this venue showcases an extraordinary Pueblo Deco design crafted by architect Carl Boller. You will marvel at a rare architectural fusion that combines adobe-style Pueblo Revival elements—such as rounded edges, stepped massing, and ceiling vigas—with the soaring vertical thrust, recessed spandrels, and geometric repetition of American Art Deco skyscrapers.

Inside and out, you can explore indigenous cultural motifs, including terra cotta shields above the third-floor windows, ziggurat patterns, and interior murals depicting traditional Native American themes. Named after a winning suggestion by Isleta Pueblo's former governor Pablo Abeita—meaning "mountain lion"—the venue opened with Native American performers and an $18,000 Wurlitzer theater organ. Saved by the City of Albuquerque in 1977 and beautifully restored, the 650-seat auditorium features a recreated proscenium arch, modern tech lighting hidden behind wooden beams, and a restored 24-foot tall neon sign.

Visit to experience a iconic piece of Southwestern architectural history.

What to see at KiMo Theater

• Pueblo Deco architecture blending Pueblo Revival and Art Deco lines
• Exterior details including third-floor terra cotta shields
• Interior murals and decorative indigenous Southwestern motifs
• Recreated original proscenium arch and ceiling vigas
• A 24-foot tall replica neon sign originally installed around 1929

Visiting tips

Look closely at the ceiling beams, or vigas, inside the auditorium to spot how modern lighting equipment was cleverly hidden during the venue's extensive restoration.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Before an evening performance

How to get there & what’s nearby

KiMo Theater is easy to reach on Albuquerque’s public transport, and pairs naturally with San Felipe de Neri Church and Albuquerque Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Albuquerque travel guide.