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Marking the launch of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, an exciting collaboration is underway. The Pokémon Company alongside the Natural History Museum will launch a pop-up shop featuring exclusive merchandise. Enthusiasts will find products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's aesthetic. For collectors, however, is a specially made Pikachu card, given as a gift with purchase for the pop-up. The store is scheduled from on-site at the museum to online from January 26 to April 19.

The Book Behind the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology represents a much-awaited volume filled with stunning artwork that show Pokémon in their natural habitats. The concept is the kind of research a Pokémon Professor might publish after adventurers provide field notes, or what Charles Darwin might have created had the Galapagos were populated by Pidgeys rather than finches. Part of the charm stems from the book's scholarly approach, treating Pokémon as worthy of subject for study. Author Yoshinari Yonehara together with artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess PhDs in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

It is common for The Pokémon Company to release cards celebrating big events or brand collaborations. A lot of these collector items often feature the iconic mouse Pokémon that acts as the franchise mascot. The factor setting this new museum card is its unusually large dimensions. Although exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be strictly limited, with fans able to get just one card with each transaction.

Curbing Speculator Interest

Per an official statement, some of the pop-up items may also be available beyond the museum walls. But, a wider release is slated for select retailers in the United Kingdom. Importantly, fans cannot acquire the card via the official web shop. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they will have trouble hoarding mass quantities on this occasion. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming Pokémon Fossil exhibit coming to Chicago later this year.

"Every penny of sales from the museum store and from its web shop, which covers these items, 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 global ecological crisis," the statement notes.