🔗 Share this article

To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Fans will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from the physical location to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release cards for major tournaments or brand collaborations. A lot of these collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs have not been immediately shared, availability will certainly be strictly limited, and fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to a company announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. However, broader availability will only be specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot purchase this promo through the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.