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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with special items. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created if the famous islands teemed with flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many such collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although precise specs have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, and customers able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per a company announcement, some of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the UK. Importantly, collectors will not be able to purchase the card through the official web shop. While speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the museum store and its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it says.