🔗 Share this article

To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's theme. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept like the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the famous islands teemed with flying-types instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release promos celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the famous electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although precise specs were not immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

According to a company statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. But, a wider release will only be specific stores within the UK. Importantly, fans cannot acquire this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is a given, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases from the Museum shop and its online store, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.