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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum will launch a temporary store stocked with exclusive items. Enthusiasts can look forward to offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are drawing from the institution's aesthetic. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. This shop will operate both the physical location and online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated volume filled with beautiful illustrations that show creatures in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers submit their data, or what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos were populated by flying-types rather than finches. Part of the charm lies in the book's scholarly treatment, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Different

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition promos celebrating big events and brand collaborations. Many such collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the unusually large dimensions. While exact measurements were not immediately shared, availability will certainly be highly restricted, with customers limited to just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

According to an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the institution itself. But, a wider release is slated for specific stores within the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire this promo via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is inevitable, it appears they will have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those unable to attend, consider the upcoming fossil-themed display headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases made in the Museum shop and its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are conducting studies to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.