To celebrate the debut of a stunning new literary addition to the franchise, The Pokémon Company has joined forces with London’s prestigious Natural History Museum to host a limited-time retail experience. This collaboration features an array of bespoke merchandise, including themed stationery, plush toys, and curated artwork inspired by the institution’s aesthetic. The crown jewel for collectors, however, is a rare, oversized Pikachu promotional card, offered as an exclusive gift with qualifying purchases. This special event will be accessible both in-person and via the museum’s online store from January 26 through April 19.
The centerpiece of the collaboration is Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a meticulously crafted volume that explores the series’ creatures through a biological lens. Blending artistic beauty with scientific rigor, the book treats Pokémon as legitimate subjects of ecological study—reminiscent of the observations Charles Darwin might have recorded had he encountered Pidgeys in the wild. The project boasts authentic academic credentials, authored by Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrated by Chihiro Kinoshita, both of whom hold doctorates in ecology and animal behavior.
While The Pokémon Company frequently issues commemorative cards for tournaments and brand partnerships, this latest museum-exclusive promo stands out due to its unusual dimensions. Though specific measurements have yet to be disclosed, its “jumbo” format and strict distribution—limited to a single card per customer—ensure it will become a highly sought-after rarity among enthusiasts.
According to the official press release, select items from the collection will eventually be available through specific retailers within the United Kingdom. However, the promotional Pikachu card will not be sold through the standard Pokémon Center online shop, likely an effort to curb mass reselling and preserve the item’s exclusivity. For fans residing across the Atlantic, the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition is scheduled to make its way to Chicago later this year.
Beyond the collectibles, every purchase serves a greater humanitarian purpose. Profits generated from the museum’s retail sales, including all Pokémon-themed merchandise, directly fund the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes supporting the vital research of 400 scientists dedicated to finding innovative solutions for the current global environmental crisis.
Source: Polygon
