Pokémon Fossil Museum to Display Real and Fake Fossils in U.S. Next Year

The Pokémon Company has exciting news for fans in North America: the Pokémon Fossil Museum is set to make its debut in the region, opening its doors in Chicago's Field Museum on May 22, 2026. This marks the first time the exhibit, which initially launched in Japan, will venture beyond its home country, offering a unique opportunity for fans to explore.

So, what exactly is the Pokémon Fossil Museum? It's an innovative exhibition that brings together the world of Pokémon with the wonders of paleontology. Visitors will have the chance to compare intricately crafted Pokémon "fossils" with real-world ancient lifeforms. Imagine standing in awe as you view Pokémon models like Tyrantrum and Archeops next to iconic Field Museum specimens, including scientific casts of SUE the T. rex and the Chicago Archaeopteryx. The museum challenges visitors with a fun question: "How many differences (and similarities) will you spot, Trainers?"

Pokémon Fossil Museum Virtual Tour

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Can't make it to Chicago or Japan? No worries! Thanks to a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and Toyohashi Museum of Natural History, you can experience the Pokémon Fossil Museum from the comfort of your own home. A virtual tour is available, allowing you to delve into the fascinating world of both real and Pokémon fossils, from a tyrannosaurus to a Tyrantrum, all at your fingertips.

In other Pokémon-related news, a recent event in the UK captured headlines when a man was arrested after police discovered he was in possession of a stolen Pokémon card collection valued at approximately £250,000 ($332,500). The discovery was made following a raid by Greater Manchester Police on a residence in Hyde, Tameside. A police spokesperson humorously remarked, "Gotta catch 'em all," referencing the iconic Pokémon slogan.