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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store featuring exclusive items. Fans will find offerings including stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the museum's aesthetic. The big draw, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. This shop will operate both on-site at the museum to its web counterpart between late January and mid-April.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome filled with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept is what an in-world scientist could produce once trainers submit their data, alternatively what Charles Darwin might have created had the famous islands teemed with Pidgeys instead of finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in ecology and behavioral science.

What Makes This Special Card Different

The company regularly to issue to release promos celebrating major tournaments or brand collaborations. Many such collector items typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution is guaranteed to be strictly limited, with customers able to get just one card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per a company statement, a portion of the merchandise will also be sold beyond the museum walls. However, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Critically, fans will not be able to acquire this promo through the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, it appears they're going to have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. For those unable to attend, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City later this year.

"Every penny of sales made in the museum store and from its web shop, which covers Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the efforts of 400 scientists who are conducting studies to discover answers to the planetary emergency," it notes.