
City - Albuquerque, NM - The Kimo Theater 1943 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad
Title
City - Albuquerque, NM - The Kimo Theater 1943 - Side by Side
Artist
Mike Savad
Medium
Photograph - Hand Colored Photo
Description
Hand colored photo from 1943, Feb
Original title: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Photographer: John Collier
Location: 419 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM
The KiMo Theatre, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a historic gem renowned for its stunning architectural style and cultural significance. Built in 1927, the theater is a prime example of Pueblo Deco, a unique blend of Art Deco and Pueblo Revival architectural styles. The name "KiMo" is derived from the Tiwa language, meaning "mountain lion" or "king of its kind," a tribute to the region's Native American heritage. With its ornate facade featuring Native American motifs, the theater stands as a testament to the fusion of cultural influences that define New Mexico.
The KiMo Theatre originally opened as a movie palace and performance venue. It quickly became a centerpiece of Albuquerque's cultural scene, hosting a wide variety of events, including vaudeville acts, live performances, and the latest Hollywood films of the era. The interior is as breathtaking as the exterior, adorned with vibrant murals, tin chandeliers, and motifs inspired by Southwest Native American art, such as rain clouds, deer, and thunderbirds. These intricate details make it one of the most visually striking theaters in the country.
Over the decades, the KiMo Theatre underwent periods of decline and revival. By the 1970s, it faced the threat of demolition, but community efforts successfully preserved the building. Today, it serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting everything from concerts and film screenings to lectures and community events. The city of Albuquerque owns and operates the theater, ensuring its legacy as a beacon of art and entertainment.
Fun Facts:
1. The KiMo is famously believed to be haunted. One of the most well-known tales involves the ghost of a young boy named Bobby, who died in a boiler explosion in 1951. His spirit is said to play mischievous pranks, such as hiding objects or causing technical difficulties during performances. Many performers leave small offerings, like doughnuts, for Bobby to ensure a smooth show.
2. The theater's iconic neon marquee, added in the 1950s, has become a recognizable symbol of downtown Albuquerque.
3. The KiMo underwent a significant restoration in the 1990s, during which artisans meticulously recreated its original design using historical photographs and documents to maintain its authenticity.
Color notes:
This thing was really complex, the theater is still standing so while I could get the colors from that, they seemed to have used every single paint color in the store. It took hours just to get the top motif done. While the theater is still there, there wasn't any postcards from this era, so the marquee is just a guess, as were those movie posters, while I did find them, they weren't the exact ones here.
Uploaded
January 20th, 2025
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