London Science Museum to host free Pokémon Space Trail and ESA exhibits

The Science Museum in London has partnered with the European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International to launch the Pokémon Space Trail, running from 2 October 2026 to 3 January 2027. The free South Kensington exhibition pairs real-world aerospace history with fictional lore, placing large installations of characters such as Arceus, Lunatone, and Pikachu across the museum’s permanent galleries.

Timed to coincide with World Space Week and the October school holidays, the event links European space missions to game concepts. Exhibits connect NASA and ESA’s Artemis lunar programme with lunar Pokémon evolutions, while highlighting French ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot’s mission aboard the International Space Station, where an Astronaut Pikachu plush joined the crew in orbit.

Exhibition schedule and event details

Hands-on gaming across three console generations

Beyond visual displays, the Science Museum is integrating live gaming throughout the building. Mobile players will find location-specific Pokémon GO content, including One-Star Raids featuring Astronaut Pikachu, special field encounters, and Timed Research tasks tied to museum waypoints.

In the museum’s interactive gaming gallery, Power Up, visitors can trace the evolution of the franchise across three decades of console hardware. Playable stations feature classic spin-offs like Pokémon Snap on Nintendo 64 and Pokémon Battle Revolution on Nintendo Wii, alongside modern stations running Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch 2.

Anti-scalping measures and exclusive merchandise

To avoid the severe crowding and scalping issues that disrupted Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum collaboration in 2023, the Science Museum is enforcing strict logistical controls around commercial items. The dedicated Pokémon x ESA shop, situated on the museum’s mezzanine level, will not allow walk-ins. Shoppers must reserve a dedicated free timed slot in advance.

Strict purchase limits will apply to high-demand inventory, including Scarlet & Violet Pokémon Trading Card Game stock and the limited Astronaut Pikachu plush. Noticeably absent from the museum’s announcement is any mention of an exclusive promotional trading card. Omitting a promo card directly curbs the speculative resale frenzies that have troubled previous cultural crossovers.

Libby Jackson, Head of Space at the Science Museum, said in a statement:

Visitors can set off on an adventure of discovery with our new free trail at the Science Museum, which brings beloved Pokémon into the museum’s galleries to reveal connections between the worlds of Pokémon and science. We are thrilled to be working with the European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International, and hope visitors of all ages enjoy following the Pokémon Space Trail and discovering something unexpected about the universe along the way.”

Mathieu Galante, Senior Director of Licensing at The Pokémon Company International, added:

Every Pokémon journey begins with a sense of wonder about what lies beyond the world you know. From distant regions to encounters that reach into outer space, that spirit of discovery has always been part of being a Pokémon Trainer. Collaborating with ESA opens a new frontier for fans, bringing together the world of Pokémon and the wonder of space for visitors at locations across Europe.”

Alongside daytime foot traffic, the museum has scheduled after-hours programming. On Thursday 26 November, an adult-only Lates event will feature scientific discussions, space-themed DJ sets, a pop-up board game café, and screenings of Pokémon Detective Pikachu inside the IMAX Ronson Theatre. Family overnight stays via Astronights will run across three dates in November and December, granting children aged 7 to 11 evening trail access and sleeping space beside major space exploration artefacts.