KiMo Theatre – Haunted Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The KiMo Theatre stands as one of Albuquerque’s most architecturally stunning landmarks. This 1927 Pueblo Deco masterpiece also harbors one of New Mexico’s most tragic ghost stories.

Visitors and staff members have reported encountering supernatural activity for decades. The spirit of a young boy seems trapped within these ornate walls.

The theater’s blend of Native American motifs and Art Deco styling creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Even skeptics feel something unusual when walking through the dimly lit hallways.

This historic venue continues to host live performances and classic film screenings. But the shows aren’t the only thing drawing crowds to this Central Avenue attraction.

Historical Background

Oreste Bachechi commissioned the KiMo Theatre in 1927 as a movie palace. The Boller Brothers architectural firm designed this stunning example of Pueblo Deco style.

The theater opened its doors on September 19, 1927, to great fanfare. Over 1,600 eager patrons packed the seats for the grand opening celebration.

The building combines traditional Pueblo Indian architectural elements with contemporary Art Deco design. Navajo symbols, buffalo skulls, and Southwestern motifs adorn every surface and corner.

The name “KiMo” comes from a Tewa word meaning “king of its kind.” The theater truly lived up to this name during Hollywood’s golden age.

On February 19, 1951, tragedy struck during a water heater malfunction. Six-year-old Bobby Darnall attended a PTA-sponsored matinee showing of “The Gunfighter” that fateful afternoon.

The lobby’s water heater exploded with tremendous force around 2:30 PM. Young Bobby was walking directly past the boiler room when the explosion occurred.

The blast threw the boy against the lobby wall with devastating impact. He died instantly from his injuries while other children screamed in terror.

The theater fell into disrepair during the 1960s and early 1970s. The City of Albuquerque purchased and restored the building in 1977.

A complete renovation project began in 2000 to preserve this architectural treasure. The $6 million restoration earned numerous preservation awards and brought the theater back to life.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Staff members consistently report unexplained incidents throughout the KiMo Theatre’s many rooms. The most common phenomena involve the spirit of young Bobby Darnall.

Doors slam shut without any human intervention or wind present in the building. Lights flicker on and off in patterns that electricians cannot explain.

Cold spots appear suddenly in specific locations throughout the theater’s interior spaces. These temperature drops occur even during summer months when the building is warm.

The sound of children’s laughter echoes through empty hallways late at night. Staff working alone after performances hear small footsteps running across the balcony.

Objects mysteriously relocate from their designated positions to completely different areas. Cleaning crews find items moved overnight despite locked doors and active security systems.

Electronic equipment malfunctions without explanation in certain parts of the building. Sound boards, lighting equipment, and projection systems experience sudden technical difficulties.

Witnesses describe seeing a small boy in 1950s clothing throughout various areas. The child appears solid and real before vanishing into thin air.

Some visitors report feeling an invisible child’s hand grasping their own hands. This sensation occurs most frequently near the spot where Bobby died.

Ghost Stories & Reports

Bobby Darnall’s spirit is the theater’s most famous and frequently encountered presence. His ghost appears as a six-year-old boy wearing clothes typical of the 1950s.

Theater employees have nicknamed the young spirit “Bobby” in his memory. Many staff members leave small gifts and toys in specific locations to appease him.

A long-standing tradition involves leaving donuts in the projection booth for Bobby’s ghost. Workers report that the donuts disappear or show small bite marks by morning.

One former projectionist named Jon Hedden worked at the KiMo for over two decades. He consistently maintained that Bobby’s presence was real and not imagination.

Hedden described hearing a child’s voice calling out when working alone late at night. The voice would say “hello” or giggle from empty areas of the building.

Actress and performer Lynda Apodaca encountered Bobby during a 2008 rehearsal session. She felt a small hand grab hers while walking through the darkened lobby.

Apodaca looked down expecting to see a child from the cast present. No one was visible but the sensation of a child’s hand remained unmistakable.

Theater manager Nancy Meem documented numerous incidents during her tenure at the KiMo. She recorded unexplained sounds, movement of objects, and multiple staff encounters with Bobby’s spirit.

One custodian refused to work alone in the building after multiple encounters. He claimed Bobby followed him from room to room during late-night cleaning shifts.

Performers rehearsing on stage report seeing a small boy watching from the balcony seats. The figure sits attentively before fading away like morning mist.

Some witnesses describe Bobby as a playful spirit without malicious intentions or harmful behavior. Others find his presence unsettling despite his apparent innocence.

Local paranormal researchers believe Bobby remains because his death was so sudden and traumatic. He may not realize he has passed or feels connected to this location.

Native American spiritual advisors have suggested that the building’s decorative elements hold spiritual significance. The Navajo symbols and buffalo skulls might create energy that traps spirits within.

Most Haunted Spot

The theater’s lobby represents the most intensely haunted location within the entire building. This is where Bobby Darnall died in the 1951 water heater explosion.

Staff members avoid lingering alone in this area late at night after shows end. The sensation of being watched becomes overwhelming for sensitive individuals.

A specific spot near where the old boiler room stood experiences the coldest temperature drops. Visitors standing here often feel sudden chills regardless of season or weather.

The projection booth ranks as the second most active paranormal location within the theater. Bobby’s spirit seems drawn to this technical area high above the audience.

Workers in the booth report equipment operating on its own without human touch. Films would start playing or stop suddenly during the theater’s movie-showing days.

The balcony seats also generate numerous ghost sightings and unexplained occurrences throughout the years. Patrons attending performances feel tapping on their shoulders from behind in empty rows.

Can You Visit?

Yes, the KiMo Theatre remains open to the public for performances and tours. The venue hosts concerts, plays, classic films, and special cultural events throughout the year.

Standard ticket prices vary depending on the specific event or performance being attended. Tours of the historic building are available for a small fee.

The City of Albuquerque offers guided historical tours highlighting the theater’s architecture and history. Some tour guides willingly discuss the haunting legends if visitors express interest.

Photography is generally allowed in public areas during tours and before performances begin. Flash photography during live shows is prohibited as with any theater venue.

The theater typically operates Tuesday through Saturday with varying hours based on the schedule. Specific visiting hours change seasonally so calling ahead is strongly recommended.

Special paranormal investigation tours occur occasionally throughout the year during Halloween season. These after-hours events allow ghost hunters to explore the building with specialized equipment.

Best Time to Visit

Paranormal activity at the KiMo Theatre occurs most frequently during late evening hours. Staff members working after 10 PM report the highest number of unexplained incidents.

The anniversary of Bobby’s death on February 19 sees increased supernatural activity annually. Sensitive individuals report stronger presences and more frequent phenomena during this time.

Halloween season brings special ghost tours and paranormal investigation opportunities to interested visitors. The theater embraces its haunted reputation during October with themed events.

Afternoon hours between 2 PM and 4 PM also generate unusual reports and sightings. This matches the time frame when Bobby’s fatal accident occurred in 1951.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

Theater technician Michael Canavan worked at the KiMo for fifteen years before retiring. He documented over thirty separate incidents involving Bobby’s spirit during his tenure there.

Canavan described finding children’s toys rearranged in the morning after locking them away. Small handprints would appear in dust on surfaces cleaned the previous evening.

Former volunteer coordinator Patricia Martinez experienced Bobby’s presence multiple times during her service. She felt most comfortable addressing Bobby directly and asking permission before entering certain spaces.

Martinez claimed Bobby responded to respectful treatment with peaceful coexistence and fewer disturbances. Treating him as a real child rather than a frightening entity seemed effective.

Visiting actress Jennifer Thompson performed in a 2015 production at the KiMo Theatre. She encountered Bobby during a late-night rehearsal when the building was nearly empty.

Thompson saw a small boy sitting in the third row watching the rehearsal intently. She assumed he belonged to another cast member until he vanished completely.

Security guard Thomas Rivera witnessed unexplained events during his overnight shifts protecting the building. He heard distinct footsteps running across the balcony during his rounds.

Rivera investigated these sounds multiple times but never found any living person present. The footsteps would stop abruptly when he entered the area with his flashlight.

Local Legends & Myths

Some Albuquerque residents believe Bobby’s spirit guards the theater as its eternal protector. This legend suggests he prevents more serious accidents or tragedies from occurring.

Local storytellers claim Bobby becomes more active when the building faces potential threats. During the 1970s deterioration period, paranormal activity allegedly increased dramatically as if warning people.

Another legend suggests that the Navajo symbols incorporated into the building’s design hold power. These decorative elements might create a spiritual vortex trapping Bobby’s soul within.

Some Native American spiritual practitioners believe a proper blessing ceremony could help Bobby move on. However, theater management has never authorized such an intervention or ritual.

Urban legend claims anyone who disrespects Bobby experiences immediate bad luck or misfortune. Staff members maintain this superstition by always speaking respectfully about the young spirit.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The KiMo Theatre has attracted numerous paranormal investigation teams over the past decades. Both amateur ghost hunters and professional researchers have documented unusual phenomena here.

Southwest Ghost Hunters Association conducted a formal investigation in 2009 using specialized equipment. They recorded electronic voice phenomena that sounded like a young boy’s voice.

Temperature sensors detected unexplained cold spots dropping fifteen degrees below ambient room temperature. These readings occurred in the lobby area where Bobby died.

Electromagnetic field detectors registered unusual spikes in specific locations without identifiable sources nearby. These readings suggested possible paranormal energy according to investigation protocols.

Spirit box sessions allegedly captured responses to direct questions about Bobby’s presence. Investigators reported hearing the name “Bobby” through the electronic white noise device.

Photography during investigations captured numerous orbs and light anomalies throughout the building. Skeptics attribute these to dust particles but investigators claim paranormal significance.

The theater has been featured in regional paranormal television programs and documentaries. These productions highlighted the Bobby Darnall tragedy and ongoing supernatural reports.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

The KiMo Theatre is a functioning public venue with strict rules and regulations. Trespassing outside of official hours will result in arrest and criminal charges.

Visitors must stay in designated public areas during tours and performances only. Wandering into restricted backstage or technical areas is prohibited for safety and security.

The building contains historical architectural elements that should never be touched or damaged. Respect for this cultural landmark is mandatory for all visitors regardless of purpose.

Amateur paranormal investigations require advance permission from theater management and city officials. Unauthorized ghost hunting activities are considered trespassing and will be prosecuted.

Parents should exercise judgment about bringing young children to paranormal-themed events here. The story of Bobby’s death may be disturbing for sensitive young visitors.

Cursed or Haunted Objects

The original water heater that exploded and killed Bobby no longer exists. However, the spot where it stood continues to generate the coldest temperature readings.

Some staff members believe a specific seat in the balcony section is Bobby’s favorite. Patrons sitting in this location report the strongest sensations of invisible presence nearby.

The ornate Navajo-inspired light fixtures throughout the building allegedly flicker when Bobby manifests. These original 1927 fixtures seem connected to the paranormal activity patterns observed.

Small toys left as offerings for Bobby sometimes disappear without explanation from secure locations. Staff members find these items relocated to different areas of the theater building.

A backstage mirror reportedly shows reflections of people who aren’t physically present in the room. Multiple performers have mentioned seeing a small boy’s reflection behind them momentarily.