If you want to be the very best, like no one ever was, then you’ll no doubt be heading down to the Natural History Museum from today (January 26). To catch them is your real test, to train them is your goal.
You’ll want to bring all your experience playing Pokémon Fire Red on the Gameboy Advance to the table as you head over to a pop-up store of the ages that joins the world of Pokémon and the Natural History Museum. For almost two months, the store will run for Pokémon fans to dive into and collect some memorabilia. And they’ve now revealed the range of items, which includes a ‘Pikachu At The Museum’ Pokémon card – but more on that to come.
Yes – a Pokémon x Natural History Museum linkup is one we didn’t know we wanted, but now need it more than Ash needs Pikachu, Brock needs Onyx, or Misty needs Staryu. At the store, you’ll be able to sift through clothing, stationery, accessories, prints, and new plush items that collectors will be eager to get their hands on.
The Pokémon x Natural History Museum range
There aren’t many animated characters that stand out as much as Pokémon, and their faces will, obviously, be splayed across all the merch you find at this pop-up. Highlights include gorgeous badge sets displaying the evolution of certain species of Pokémon, as well as tiles that show off your favourite types of Pokémon, with an example set showing off snaps of Ivysaur, Tropius, Victreebee, and Vileplume.
There’s also plenty of notebooks featuring ancient Pokémon, Bulbasaur tote bags, themed drink cups, Pikachu plushes, and more – plus, coming in perhaps the best merch piece of all, the purchases made at the store will come with the special oversized ‘Pikachu At The Museum’ Pokémon card.
Tying into the work carried out by the Natural History Museum, the range is inspired by Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a Japanese publication by author Yoshinari Yonehara and illustrator Chihiro Kinoshita, which shows how Pokémon live and interact with their environment.
It comes at Pokémon celebrates its 30th birthday in January, and what better place to celebrate the series that follows the evolution of Pokémon than at a space that tracks the evolution of our planet. Entry to the stores, which you’ll find in the revamped Cranbourne Boutique, will be completely free for all, but you’ll need to grab a free ticket beforehand. (That’s to deal with the huge demand they’re expecting.) These are now sold out, but, according to the NHM website, you’ll still be able to check back for any relisted tickets.
Sadly, if you didn’t pick up a ticket, there are no walk-ins, so you’ll have to try your luck at the online merch drop if you’re desperate to get your hands on the pieces. If you miss out on the NHM site drop, there is also set to be a range made available on the Pokémon Centre, which is the official UK Pokémon merch store, and you can sign up for emails via their site to be alerted when the products are available.
Speaking on the news of the store, Adam Farrar, Director of Commercial and Visitor Experience for the Natural History Museum, said: “There is such a wonderful alignment between Pokémon and the Natural History Museum – we’re obviously both big fans of the natural world and its evolution and diversity. We hope this collaboration will spark joy and curiosity in the creatures around us, both in the world of Pokémon and Earth”.
The Pokémon x Natural History Museum pop-up store runs from January 26, 2026 to March 22. You’ll need a free ticket to enter, which you can find details on here. For those who don’t have a ticket, some of the range will also become available on the NHM site from midday on January 26, and you’ll be able to view it here.
