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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store will operate both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially is what an in-world scientist could produce after trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. A key appeal stems from the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release promos celebrating big events or crossover partnerships. Many such promotional cards typically highlight the famous electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card is its unusually large size. While precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Interest

According to a company announcement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be select retailers in the UK. Importantly, fans cannot acquire this promo through the official web shop. While speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers on this occasion. For those feeling left out, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases made in the Museum shop and its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.