The Museum of Boulder has officially selected a winning design for a new city flag, concluding a community competition that drew more than 200 submissions from artists, residents, and designers eager to redefine Boulder’s visual identity.
The contest, launched earlier this year, invited participants to create a flag that reflects Boulder’s history, culture, natural beauty, and civic values. Organizers said the overwhelming response demonstrated how deeply residents care about the city’s identity and future.
The winning design features clean geometric shapes and bold colors inspired by Boulder’s landscape, including the iconic Flatirons, open skies, and environmental spirit that have long defined the city. Judges praised the flag for its simplicity, symbolism, and versatility — qualities considered essential in modern flag design
.Museum officials explained that the competition aimed not only to redesign a flag but also to spark public conversation about community identity and civic pride. A panel of historians, designers, civic leaders, and community representatives reviewed entries before narrowing the field to finalists. Public feedback also played a significant role in the final selection process.
“The response exceeded our expectations,” a Museum of Boulder representative said. “People from all backgrounds participated, and many submissions came with thoughtful explanations about what Boulder means to them.”
The current Boulder city flag, which has been in use for decades, has often been criticized by design experts for being overly complex and difficult to recognize from a distance. The redesign effort follows a growing movement across the United States in which cities seek simpler, more distinctive flags that can become recognizable civic symbols.
Supporters of the new design say it captures Boulder’s balance between urban innovation and outdoor lifestyle. The imagery and color palette were chosen to symbolize sustainability, inclusivity, and the city’s connection to the surrounding mountains and natural environment.The selected flag will now move through additional public and municipal review stages before any official adoption by city authorities. If approved, the design could eventually appear on city buildings, public events, merchandise, and community celebrations.
The Museum of Boulder plans to showcase finalist submissions in a public exhibition, giving residents an opportunity to explore the creative process behind the competition and celebrate the wide range of artistic interpretations submitted by the community.
City leaders say the project has already succeeded in one important way: bringing residents together around a shared symbol and conversation about Boulder’s evolving identity.