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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership is underway. Pokémon's creators alongside the Natural History Museum are opening a pop-up shop stocked with exclusive items. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork that are inspired by the institution's theme. For collectors, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate both on-site at the museum and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited volume packed with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research an in-world scientist might publish once adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created if the Galapagos teemed with Pidgeys instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

What Makes This Special Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating big events and crossover partnerships. Many of these promotional cards often feature the iconic electric rodent who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger size. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, its distribution will certainly be strictly limited, with fans limited to only a single card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Activity

Per an official announcement, some of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the museum walls. But, broader availability is slated for specific stores within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the official web shop. While reseller interest is inevitable, the setup suggests they're going to have trouble stockpiling large numbers this time around. For those unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display headed to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny of sales from the Museum shop and from its online store, which covers Pokémon products, go toward the Natural History Museum’s non-profit work. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers who are scientific inquiry to discover answers to the global ecological crisis," the statement notes.