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London has been buzzing with Poké-power the last few years, from the opening of a Pokémon Center earlier this year and a new immersive Pokémon experience coming in October to hosting the Pokémon Europe International Championships.
And the Pokémon fun isn’t slowing down. In fact, it’s levelling up. The Japanese media franchise has announced that it’ll be taking over London’s iconic Natural History Museum. Pikachu and co will pop-up at the Kensington institution’s Cranborne Boutique, offering a range of souvenirs and products, as well as an exclusive plush toy.
So, why exactly is Pokémon coming to the Natural History Museum, of all places? Well, it’s all to celebrate the brand’s 30th birthday – and Pokémon is fairly well-linked to the dinosaurs. Tyrantrum, one of 11 Pokémon characters based on prehistoric fossils, will be among the toys on offer at the NHM, surrounded by the bones of its ancient inspirational ancestors.
For the Pokémon x Natural History Museum collab, the revamped boutique will be selling a range of exclusive souvenirs from clothing, accessories, prints, stationary and plush toys. So far, it’s been revealed that an exclusive plush toy of Pikachu hugging the Natural History Museum building will be available to purchase both in store and online.
Mathieu Galante, Pokémon’s retail director for Europe, explained the inspiration behind the design of the merchandise: ‘Design inspiration has been drawn directly from the Natural History Museum’s iconic building and architecture, as well as the beautiful naturalist sketches that fill the Museum’s archives.
‘We are excited to be working with the Natural History Museum to create this fun pop-up store for fans of all ages.’
The Natural History Museum is a registered charity, so all profits made from sales will go towards supporting the work of the museum’s scientists, conservationists and public initiatives.
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.’
Just like the museum, the pop-up will be free to visit from January 26 to March 22 2026 . Entrance will be ticketed, so be sure to grab your free ticket which (will also include fast-track entry to the museum). Tickets go on sale October 1 – you can find details on the museum website here.
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