🔗 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 and London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus for the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release promos for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. Many such promotional cards often feature the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, availability will certainly be strictly limited, and fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Interest

According to a company statement, some of the merchandise may also be available beyond the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for specific stores within the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors will not be able to acquire this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the museum store and from its online store, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies and finding solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.