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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special items. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store will operate both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume packed with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept like the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce after trainers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin might have created if the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot such collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card is its distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, and fans limited to just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

Per an official statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. But, broader availability is slated for select retailers in the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors cannot acquire the card through the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement says.