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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration has been formed. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive items. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by 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 the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful illustrations depicting creatures in their natural habitats. The concept like the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys rather than finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with customers able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

According to a company statement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available beyond the institution itself. However, a wider release will only be select retailers within the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.