In this article we will reflect on two temporal exhibitions held in the premises of the National Museum of Colombia, from discussions about multiculturalism, patrimonial appropriation processes, the new museology and politics of representation. First, we will consider the case of Velorios y santos vivos. Comunidades negras, afrocolombianas, raizales y palenqueras and, on the other hand, Del monumento al pensamiento. Patrimonio de Colombia para la humanidad, two exhibition experiences that account for different ways of conceiving a multiethnic and multicultural nation, both in the production process and in the final product presented to the public and that in turn, show the challenges which this state institution faces when looking to capture the logic of affirmation and appreciation of difference introduced in the 1991 Constitution and in the politics of intangible cultural heritage(ICH) safeguarding.