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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate from the physical location to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited tome packed with beautiful illustrations depicting creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce once trainers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin might have created had the famous islands were populated by flying-types rather than birds. A key appeal lies in the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release promos celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. Many such collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the unusually large size. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, availability is guaranteed to be strictly limited, and fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

Per an official statement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the United Kingdom. Critically, fans cannot acquire this promo via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're unable to attend, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to the Windy City later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the museum store and its web shop, including these items, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it notes.