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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate both on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume filled with stunning illustrations that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially like what an in-world scientist might publish after trainers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin could have sketched had the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating major tournaments and crossover partnerships. Many of these promotional cards typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card is its distinctly bigger size. Although exact measurements have not been immediately shared, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Reseller Activity

Per an official statement, a portion of the merchandise may also be available outside the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers within the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to purchase this promo via the online Pokémon Center. While reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny from purchases from the Museum shop and its online store, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the research of 400 scientists who are scientific inquiry and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.