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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators and London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive items. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store will operate both on-site at the museum to online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume packed with beautiful artwork that show Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially like what a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers provide field notes, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos teemed with flying-types rather than birds. A key appeal stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for major tournaments or brand collaborations. Many of these collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. While precise specs have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to an official announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Critically, fans cannot purchase this promo through the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and its online store, including Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement says.