Michelle Obama: I ‘fell in love’ with NYC museum

NEW YORK — Michelle Obama says she “fell in love with” the new Whitney Museum of American Art as it opens its new home in New York’s meatpacking district.

The first lady shared her view of the $422 million Renzo Piano-designed building after a brief tour before Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Sneed exclusive: Obamas want to live in New York, not ChicagoShe said that as a young girl growing up in Chicago she was like many children who believe a museum is not a place for them. She praised the museum for its outreach efforts to the community.

Architect Piano thanked the audience at the ceremony and said, “the building is yours. Thank you.”

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio thanked Obama for coming and said, “even jaded New Yorkers think it’s special when Michelle Obama is present.”‘

KAREN MATTHEWS, Associated Press