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To celebrate the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning artwork depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release cards for major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many such promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card is its distinctly bigger size. While exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with customers able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per an official statement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire this promo through the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and from its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement says.