Lobo Theater

The Lobo Theater is a movie theater on Route 66 in Albuquerque featuring a traditional marquee and neon signage preserved from 1938, located at 3013 Central Avenue. The building retains its original architectural details and now operates as a multi-purpose venue hosting screenings, performances, and events.

The theater opened in August 1938 and was operated by Paramount Pictures through their subsidiary Hoblitzelle and O'Donnell during the early 1940s. This corporate backing made it a significant venue within the film exhibition network of that era.

The venue takes its name from the Spanish word for wolf, referencing the University of New Mexico sports teams and the student community that shapes the neighborhood. It serves today as a gathering place for local events and performances.

The venue is located on a busy street with good visibility and offers nearby parking options along with restaurants and shops in the area. Visitors should note that programming changes regularly, so checking ahead is helpful for planning a visit.

The building served as the primary filming location for the independent film Collecting Rooftops in 2002, demonstrating its ongoing role in local film production. This experience shows how historic theaters continue to function as active spaces for contemporary storytelling.