🔗 Share this article

To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special items. Enthusiasts will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with stunning illustrations that show Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish once trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the iconic electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, with fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Interest

According to a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors cannot acquire the card through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those feeling left out, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases made in 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 solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement says.