Exclusive Pokémon Pop-Up Shop Confirmed for London’s Natural History Museum in 2026

In a major collaboration that merges the worlds of natural science and global entertainment, The Pokémon Company International is partnering with the Natural History Museum, London (NHM) to host an exclusive pop-up shop early next year. This event is generating significant buzz in the collectibles and retail tourism sectors, particularly among fans targeting high-value merchandise and limited-edition items.

The temporary retail space, officially titled “Pokémon x Natural History Museum,” will transform the Museum’s Cranbourne Boutique into a unique shopping experience, aligning the two brands’ shared admiration for evolution and biodiversity. The timing also coincides with a major milestone for the franchise, as Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary in January 2026.

Key Details and Dates for the Exclusive Experience

The pop-up shop will be the first of its kind in a UK museum, making it a prime destination for both local and international Pokémon fans and merchandise collectors.

• Duration and Location: The shop will run for nearly two months, from Monday, January 26, 2026, through Sunday, March 22, 2026. It will be located within the Cranbourne Boutique inside the Natural History Museum.
• Exclusive Products: The shop will feature a range of exclusive products designed specifically for this collaboration. The merchandise includes clothing, stationery, accessories, prints, and a brand-new exclusive plush toy. Design inspiration is drawn directly from the museum’s iconic architecture and its archive of naturalist sketches, offering a unique crossover aesthetic.
• Ticketing Information: Due to anticipated high demand, free tickets will be required for timed-entry access to the pop-up shop. These tickets were scheduled for online release starting October 1, 2025. Interested attendees were strongly advised to sign up for priority notification lists via the Museum’s website to secure a slot.
• Online Availability: For those unable to secure tickets, a range of the Pokémon x Natural History Museum products will also be available through the Museum’s online shop beginning in January 2026. A select range will also be offered on the Pokémon Center UK Official Online Store.

Profits, Mission, and Market Value

Beyond the retail excitement, this collaboration has a charitable purpose. All profits generated from purchases made in the pop-up and through the online store, including all Pokémon products, will directly support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. This mission includes the vital work of its 400 scientists conducting research into the planetary emergency, focusing on solutions for reversing biodiversity loss and resourcing the green economy. This unique revenue stream adds a compelling corporate social responsibility (CSR) angle to the news, often appealing to consumers who prioritize ethical spending.

The market value of such exclusive collaborations is immense. Past museum collaborations, such as the event at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, have demonstrated the extraordinary demand, often leading to rapid sell-outs and significant resale activity on the secondary market. While the official announcement makes no mention of an exclusive Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) promotional card—the item that caused previous chaos—the inherent exclusivity of the merchandise is expected to drive substantial interest and ticket competition.

By bringing the visually engaging creatures of the Pokémon world into a respected scientific institution, the collaboration aims to “spark joy and curiosity in the creatures around us,” both real and fictional. This aligns perfectly with the Museum’s goal to create advocates for the planet, using a universally beloved franchise to connect with new and diverse audiences.

The combination of a limited-time window, an iconic London landmark, and exclusive merchandise is a proven formula for a high-traffic, high-value retail event. Fans looking for a truly unique piece of Pokémon history and rare exclusive collectibles should already be watching the ticketing announcements closely.

Did you manage to secure a ticket for the pop-up shop, or are you planning to hunt for the exclusive merchandise on the online stores?