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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive items. Enthusiasts will find products like plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies all drawing from the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate from the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with beautiful illustrations that show Pokémon in their wild environments. It's essentially is what an in-world scientist might publish after trainers submit their data, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the famous islands were populated by flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for big events and crossover partnerships. A lot of these collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements were not immediately shared, its distribution will certainly be highly restricted, with fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold outside the museum walls. However, a wider release is slated for specific stores within the UK. Critically, fans cannot purchase this promo through the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those unable to attend, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and from its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists dedicated to scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.