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Marking the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive items. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's theme. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store is scheduled both the physical location and its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is what a Pokémon Professor might publish after adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Different

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release promos for big events or brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this latest museum card however, is the unusually large size. Although exact measurements were not publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with customers limited to just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Interest

According to an official statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the institution itself. But, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Critically, collectors cannot purchase the card through the official web shop. While 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 Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.