The Flatiron Sunrise Flourish design won the Museum of Boulder's unofficial city flag contest on May 11, 2026 [2].
The selection establishes a community-driven symbol for the city. This design will serve as a visual identity for local merchandise and reflects the region's distinct geography.
Organizers of the contest sought a symbol that captured the essence of Boulder, Colorado. The winning design incorporates local landmarks and the colors of a Colorado sunrise to represent the area's natural beauty [1]. The final design features three symbolic colors [3], and consists of a solid blue base with a partial yellow circle [4].
While some reports suggest the palette includes red to represent the Flatirons [3], other descriptions focus on the blue and yellow elements [4]. The Museum of Boulder managed the selection process, which culminated in the announcement earlier this week [2].
The contest was designed to engage the public in creating a shared identity. By utilizing a community-driven approach, the museum aimed to find a design that resonated with residents rather than relying on a corporate firm. The resulting imagery will now be transitioned into a line of merchandise for the city [1].
This initiative follows a trend of cities seeking unofficial symbols to foster civic pride. The Flatiron Sunrise Flourish will now act as the primary visual for these promotional items, bridging the gap between official municipal branding and community preference [1].
“The Flatiron Sunrise Flourish design won the Museum of Boulder's unofficial city flag contest”
The adoption of an unofficial flag allows a city to cultivate a grassroots visual identity without the legal or political hurdles of changing official municipal seals. By linking the design to merchandise, the Museum of Boulder creates a tangible way for residents to signal local affiliation while generating revenue for the institution.
