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To celebrate the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company alongside London's Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special items. Fans can look forward to offerings including plush toys, art prints, and writing supplies that are inspired by the institution's aesthetic. For collectors, though, will be a limited-edition Pikachu card, offered as a gift with purchase at the pop-up. The store is scheduled from the physical location and online between late January and mid-April.

The Book That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a highly anticipated tome packed with stunning illustrations that show Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept like what an in-world scientist could produce after adventurers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal might have created had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys instead of birds. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly treatment, presenting Pokémon as a legitimate subject for inquiry. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita both hold PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Special Card Stand Out

The company regularly to issue to release cards celebrating major tournaments or crossover partnerships. Many such collector items typically highlight the famous mouse Pokémon who serves as the series face. What distinguishes this new museum card however, is the distinctly bigger dimensions. While exact measurements were not immediately shared, availability will certainly be strictly limited, with fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Limiting Speculator Activity

Per an official statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the institution itself. However, broader availability will only be select retailers within the UK. Critically, collectors will not be able to acquire the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although speculator demand is a given, it appears they will have a difficult time hoarding mass quantities this time around. For those unable to attend, there is an alternative like fossil-themed display coming to the Windy City in the coming months.

"All profits of sales made in the museum store and its online store, which covers these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This includes the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to conducting studies and finding answers to the planetary emergency," the statement notes.