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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's theme. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially like the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish after trainers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards for major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the famous electric rodent that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card is its distinctly bigger size. While exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and customers able to get only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

According to an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be specific stores in the UK. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire this promo via the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those feeling left out, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the Museum shop and from its web shop, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.