🔗 Share this article

To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring special merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the museum's theme. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store will operate 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 filled with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist could produce after trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common to issue special edition cards for big events and brand collaborations. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. While exact measurements have not been immediately shared, availability will certainly be strictly limited, and fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available outside the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans cannot acquire this promo via the official web shop. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they're going to have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, consider an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases from the museum store and its online store, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.