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To celebrate the arrival of the fascinating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and London's Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop stocked with special merchandise. Fans can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated volume filled with stunning artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. It's essentially is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor could produce once trainers submit their data, alternatively a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as a legitimate scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. A lot of these promotional cards often feature the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. Although precise specs were not publicly disclosed, availability is guaranteed to be highly restricted, and fans able to get only a single card with each transaction.

Limiting Speculator Interest

Per an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold outside the museum walls. But, broader availability is slated for select retailers within the UK. Importantly, fans cannot purchase this promo via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to Chicago later this year.

"All profits of sales from the Museum shop and its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. This includes the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover solutions to the global ecological crisis," it says.