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Marking the launch of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring special merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with beautiful artwork that show creatures in their natural habitats. It's essentially is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish once adventurers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm lies in the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition cards celebrating major tournaments and brand collaborations. Many such collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and fans limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

Per an official statement, some of the merchandise may also be available outside the institution itself. However, a wider release is slated for specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire the card through the official web shop. Although speculator demand is a given, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those feeling left out, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits of sales from the museum store and its online store, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement says.