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Kobe Bryant really wants you to visit D.C.’s new African American Museum

Kobe Bryant poses for a photo during a reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House on Friday. (Susan Walsh/Associated Press)

Kobe Bryant is having no problem finding things to do since playing his final NBA game earlier this year. Most recently, the retired Lakers legend attended a donor reception at the newly opened National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, and he apparently really appreciated what he saw.

Live updates: The African American Museum opens

On Friday night, a day before the museum’s official opening ceremony, Bryant offered a rousing recommendation of the newest Smithsonian to his 10 million-plus followers on Twitter.

“There is no greater testament to this country than the stories in this building,” he wrote.

African American Museum opening: ‘This place is more than a building. It is a dream come true.’

Bryant, through his Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation charity, played a significant role in the museum’s funding, donating between $1 million and $2 million to the cause.

A handful of other past and current NBA stars also donated $1 million or more, including LeBron James, via his LeBron James Family Foundation charity, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, who donated between $5 million and $10 million to fund the museum.

“There were some who said it couldn’t happen, who said ‘you can’t do it,’ but we did it,” Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a driving force behind the museum’s inception, said during Saturday’s opening. “This place is more than a building. It is a dream come true.”

Rep. John Lewis on his 15-year fight for the museum

In other words, “Go. See. This. Museum,” as Bryant tweeted Friday. Those wanting to visit, however, will have to wait. Although there is no entrance fee, visitors must reserve a time in advance because of high volume. Currently, the earliest available times aren’t until November, according to the museum’s website.

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