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

The Pokémon Company has officially announced that the Pokémon Fossil Museum will be making its way to North America, set to open in Chicago's Field Museum on May 22, 2026. This marks the first time the unique exhibition, which originally debuted in Japan, will be showcased outside of its home country. The Pokémon Fossil Museum offers an intriguing blend of fantasy and science, featuring Pokémon "fossils" alongside real-world ancient lifeforms.

During your visit to the Field Museum, you'll have the chance to explore vibrant models of Pokémon positioned next to extinct species from the museum's collection. This includes scientific casts of iconic dinosaurs like SUE the T. rex and the Chicago Archaeopteryx, juxtaposed with Fossil Pokémon such as Tyrantrum and Archeops. The exhibit invites you to discover the fascinating differences and similarities between these ancient creatures and their Pokémon counterparts. "How many differences (and similarities) will you spot, Trainers?" the museum prompts, encouraging an engaging and educational experience.

Pokémon Fossil Museum Virtual Tour

View 7 Images

For those unable to visit the museum in person, whether you're far from Japan or Chicago, there's still a way to experience the Pokémon Fossil Museum. Thanks to a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and the Toyohashi Museum of Natural History, fans can now embark on a virtual tour of the exhibit. This digital journey allows you to explore the fascinating collection of real and Pokémon fossils from the comfort of your own home, featuring everything from a tyrannosaurus to a Tyrantrum.

In other Pokémon-related news, authorities in the UK recently made a significant discovery. A man was arrested after police uncovered a stash of stolen Pokémon cards valued at approximately £250,000 (around $332,500). The cache was found following a raid by Greater Manchester Police on a residence in Hyde, Tameside. A police spokesperson humorously remarked, "Gotta catch 'em all," highlighting the widespread appeal and value of Pokémon collectibles.