“`html
In the heart of downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, stands one of the most spellbinding landmarks of the Southwest — the KiMo Theatre. This historic gem blends striking Pueblo Deco architecture with a history both rich in cultural significance and steeped in paranormal lore. For decades, its radiant facade has beckoned visitors, not just for performances and cinematic magic, but also for something a little more mysterious. Legends whisper that the KiMo is more than just a theatre — it may also be one of New Mexico’s most haunted places.
If you’re a history buff or a ghost hunter, the KiMo Theatre is the perfect stop. Renowned for its unique appearance and tragic past, this vintage venue has earned a reputation far beyond its artistic offerings. Let’s step into the past and uncover the secrets behind this iconic landmark.
The History
The Birth of a Landmark (1927)
The KiMo Theatre was born out of a vision to bring entertainment and modernity to Albuquerque during the late 1920s. In 1927, the Bachechi family — Italian-American immigrants — unveiled a state-of-the-art movie palace that was anything but ordinary. The name “KiMo” is derived from a combination of two Tiwa words meaning “king of its kind,” a fitting title for a theatre unlike any other.
The KiMo’s architecture is its defining feature: a blend of Art Deco with Pueblo and Native American motifs that became known as “Pueblo Deco.” It features vibrant colors, terracotta warriors, buffalo skulls, rain clouds, and log beams — all designed to pay tribute to the Native heritage of the area. The facade alone is enough to stop any passerby in their tracks. Inside, the rich murals and decorative plasterwork create a dreamlike atmosphere that feels like stepping into a surrealistic movie set.
The Thriving Years
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the KiMo was one of the premier destinations in Albuquerque for film screenings, vaudeville shows, and local events. With a seating capacity of over 600 and an opulent interior, it quickly became a symbol of sophistication in the Southwest. Major movies of the era had their Albuquerque premieres at the KiMo, and the theatre played a vital role in shaping the city’s cultural identity.
But while the theatre glittered with Hollywood glam, fate had a darker script in store.
Tragedy Strikes (1951)
In 1951, the KiMo Theatre became the site of a devastating tragedy that would forever change its legacy. During a performance, a young boy named Bobby Darnall was killed when a water heater exploded in the lobby. The violent accident left the city reeling, and many believe that this is when the supernatural turn of the KiMo’s history began.
In the following years, changes in entertainment habits and urban development led to a gradual decline in attendance. By the 1960s and 70s, the theatre fell into disrepair and faced potential demolition. Preservation activists rallied to save this local treasure, and their efforts paid off.
Restoration and Rebirth
In 1977, the City of Albuquerque purchased the KiMo Theatre and began extensive restoration efforts. Painstaking work brought the theatre back to its original 1927 glory, with added modern features for safety and comfort. Today, the KiMo Theatre is fully operational as a performing arts center, showing films, hosting concerts, and still dazzling visitors with its design.
And while the doors have reopened and laughter now fills its halls, some say the ghosts of the past remain.
The Haunt
A Theatre with a Ghostly Reputation
The KiMo Theatre is not only a treasure trove of cultural heritage — it’s also one of New Mexico’s most famous haunted landmarks. Paranormal enthusiasts from across the country have visited the theatre hoping to catch a glimpse or recording of its alleged spectral residents. And leading the cast of apparitions at the KiMo is none other than young Bobby Darnall.
The Legend of Bobby
Bobby Darnall was just six years old when he lost his life in the 1951 boiler explosion. Not long after his tragic death, unusual occurrences began to plague the theatre. Staff and performers frequently reported hearing strange noises — unexplained giggling, the pitter-patter of small feet, and doors opening and closing on their own.
One of the most enduring stories linked to the KiMo centers around a mischievous presence backstage. Performers reported that technical difficulties often plagued productions unless an offering was left for Bobby — usually donuts or small toys — in a specific area backstage. Those who ignored the tradition found that lights would fail, sound equipment would malfunction, and accidents would happen onstage.
Paranormal Encounters
- Flickering Lights: Staff regularly report lights turning on and off by themselves, particularly in the lobby and projector room.
- Electrical Malfunctions: Equipment failure is common during rehearsals, especially when the production crew forgets to leave an offering for Bobby.
- Ghostly Child’s Voice: Multiple reports include disembodied laughter or someone whispering a child’s voice when no children are present.
- Shadow Figures: Audience members have claimed to see a small boy darting down the aisles during a show, only for him to vanish without a trace.
- Cold Spots and Uneasy Feelings: Some performers and visitors claim to feel sudden chills or an eerie sensation, particularly in the dressing rooms and behind the stage.
Over the years, numerous paranormal investigators have turned their cameras and EVP devices toward the KiMo in search of answers. Some claim to have recordings of a young voice, EVPs that respond to questions, and photographic anomalies showing unexplained light orbs and figures in old-fashioned clothing. Whether you believe or simply enjoy hearing the tales, the KiMo’s haunted reputation is both compelling and enduring.
Plan Your Paranormal Visit
Today, the KiMo Theatre is fully restored and remains a crown jewel of Albuquerque’s architectural and cultural scene. While it regularly hosts concerts, film festivals, and performing arts events, it’s also a magnet for ghost hunters and history buffs alike. If you’re planning a paranormal road trip through the Southwest, the KiMo absolutely must be on your itinerary.
The theatre occasionally offers historical tours, and if you ask politely, you may even get a behind-the-scenes peek into the areas where Bobby’s spirit is said to linger. Want to increase your chances of an encounter? Try attending a nighttime show and keeping your senses sharp for flickering lights, strange chills — or that unmistakable laughter of a playful child.
But remember: if you truly want a smooth visit, bring an offering. A simple donut left backstage might just please the youngest ghost of the KiMo.
Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast, history lover, or traveler looking for an otherworldly detour, the KiMo Theatre offers a rare combination of architectural beauty, theatrical vibes, and spine-tingling hauntings. Just remember — when the lights flicker, and the laughter echoes in the dark… you’re not alone in the theatre.
“`