MetroABQ Blog

The Kimo Theater is arguably the most colorful & the most architecturally interesting building in the MetroABQ. Found on Route 66 downtown between 4th & 5th Sts, you can't help but be drawn to the protruding ornaments, considerable tilework & intricate wall murals that adorn the Central Ave faade. Those three elements are integral to classic Pueblo Deco architecture, which is a mix of Pueblo Revival & Art Deco styles--a uniquely Southwestern creation.

Or, as the Kimo describes it, the KiMo opened in 1927 as a "Pueblo-Deco picture palace & vaudeville theatre. Pueblo-Deco was a flamboyant, short-lived architectural style that fused the spirit of southwest Native American cultures with art moderne elements, popular during the 1920's-1930's."The interior included plaster ceiling beams to mimic actual wood vigas, colorful Indian symbols, air vents disguised as hanging Navajo Rugs, war-drums, Native American death canoe chandeliers, wrought iron Sandhill Crane railings, shields & buffalo skulls with red glowing eyes."

I was fortunate one afternoon to be part of a guided tour through the Kimo. Some images of the exterior & inside entrance are below.