Traditionally, archaeology has played a rather paradoxical role in built heritage conservation projects in which the use of classical methods of excavation eventually destroys most of the material remains of the past. The discipline has responded to this problem with other technical devices that diminish the effects of those destructive procedures. There is, however, no questioning as to the role of archaeology in the enhancement of the monumental values conferred to historical buildings. The following case study presents a large number of examples of how the national built heritage in Colombia has been defined under the influence of early twentieth century discourses; as such, built heritage has gained monumental status because of its architectural qualities rather than based on a more open and thorough research of its cultural value. Following this perspective, the results of the archaeological and historical study of a national heritage building should not be an end to these purposes, but a means to deconstruct this monumental discourse, as well as a strategy to imbue these symbolic objects with new senses as memorials for a dynamic