Courtesy the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Michelle Obama with schoolchildren, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Met President Emily K. Rafferty, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Met Director Thomas P. Campbell, and Met Chair James R. Houghton

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"The arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time or if one can afford it," she said. "Rather, paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue, they all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next generation."

"We've been trying to break down barriers that too often exist between major cultural establishments and the people in their immediate communities; to invite kids who are living inches away from the power and prestige and fortune and fame, we want to let those kids know that they belong here, too."

Obama also gave a shoutout to those who work in the arts, and recognized the contribution that those workers and institutions bring to the national economy, pointing out that "nearly 6 million people make their living in the nonprofit arts industry, and arts and cultural activities contribute more than $160 billion to our economy every year."

The visit was one in a series of such arts-related appearances, including at the Kennedy Center, Ford's Theater, and Shakespeare Theater in the nation's capital, but the first in New York.

The First Lady also appeared Monday evening at the Metropolitan Opera for the American Ballet Theatre's opening spring gala.