Section 76, act May 17, 1938, ch. 238, § 1, 52 Stat. 399, directed National Capital Park and Planning Commission to designate and President to assign a site for a building to house and display national collections of fine arts, portraits of eminent Americans, and works of artists deserving of recognition.

Section 76a, act May 17, 1938, ch. 238, § 2, 52 Stat. 399, created Smithsonian Gallery of Art Commission which terminated upon approval by Regents of Smithsonian Institution of design for buildings and grounds.