Mary Altaffer / AP Photo
This week marks the opening of American-themed art exhibitions around New York City. Who better to kick it off than the First Lady? Michelle Obama had a whirlwind visit to New York on Monday, attending the reopening of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the opening night of the American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House. At both events, she spoke to star-studded crowds about the role of the arts in the national identity, and reminded audiences that her husband has included $50 million for the National Endowment of the Arts. “My husband and I believe strongly that arts education is essential for building innovative thinkers who will be our nation’s leaders for tomorrow,” she said. The First Lady also praised both the ABT and the Metropolitan Museum for engaging children in their programs. “The president and I want to ensure that all children have access to great works of art,” she told children at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Met’s American Wing. “This is your place, too.”