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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique collaboration is underway. Pokémon's creators and the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Fans can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all drawing from the institution's theme. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. This shop will operate from on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a highly anticipated tome filled with stunning artwork that show creatures in their wild environments. The concept is what an in-world scientist could produce once trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys rather than finches. A key appeal stems from the book's serious approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in ecology and behavioral science.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company special edition cards for major tournaments and crossover partnerships. A lot such promotional cards often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the series face. The factor setting this new museum card is its unusually large dimensions. While precise specs were not publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with fans able to get only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Reseller Interest

According to a company announcement, a portion of the pop-up items may also be available outside the museum walls. But, broader availability is slated for specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans will not be able to acquire this promo via the official web shop. Although speculator demand is inevitable, the setup suggests they will have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, consider the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit headed to the Windy City in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its online store, which covers these items, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the efforts of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding solutions to the planetary emergency," it says.