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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is what a Pokémon Professor might publish once adventurers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release promos celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards often feature the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card is its unusually large size. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Interest

According to a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available outside the institution itself. However, a wider release is slated for specific stores in the UK. Critically, fans will not be able to purchase the card through the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the museum store and its online store, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.