🔗 Share this article

To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop stocked with special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's theme. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop is scheduled from on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome packed with stunning artwork depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist might publish after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal stems from the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common to issue to release cards for major tournaments or brand collaborations. A lot of these collector items often feature the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. While precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with customers able to get just one card with each transaction.

Limiting Reseller Activity

According to an official announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase the card via the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its online store, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," it notes.