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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive items. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the museum's theme. For collectors, however, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum to online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book That Inspires the Collaboration

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited tome packed with beautiful artwork depicting creatures in their wild environments. The concept like what a Pokémon Professor might publish once trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos teemed with flying-types instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition cards celebrating big events and brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this latest museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements were not immediately shared, availability will certainly be strictly limited, with fans able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Activity

Per an official statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. While speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"All profits from purchases from the Museum shop and its web shop, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," the statement says.