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Marking the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive items. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop is scheduled both on-site at the museum and its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially is what a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys rather than birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue special edition promos for major tournaments or crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the unusually large size. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, with customers able to get just one card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Activity

Per an official statement, some of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, a wider release will only be specific stores within the UK. Importantly, collectors cannot purchase this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're unable to attend, there is an alternative like Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the museum store and its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.