Pokémon Field Museum Exhibit Debuts in Chicago: Pokémon Fossil Museum Set for U.S. Launch in 2026

Pokémon Field Museum Exhibit Debuts in Chicago: Pokémon Fossil Museum Set for U.S.

Launch in 2026 The Pokémon Company has announced that the celebrated “Pokémon Field Museum” exhibit, known as the Pokémon Fossil Museum, is scheduled to make its United States debut at the Chicago Field Museum on May 22, 2026.

This marks the first U.S.

appearance of the educational experience, which blends real paleontology with the fantastical fossil Pokémon featured in Nintendo’s enduring franchise.

The announcement marks a significant collaboration between The Pokémon Company, Nintendo, and one of the leading institutions for natural history in the United States. Origins of the Pokémon Fossil Museum Originally launched in Japan in 2021, the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibit quickly gained popularity among families, educators, and Pokémon fans.

The interactive experience was featured at various Japanese museums, where visitors compared genuine dinosaur fossils with lifelike models of fossil Pokémon drawn from the games.

Highlighting ties between real-world paleontology and Pokémon design, the exhibit educates attendees on the scientific inspirations behind various creatures, such as Tyrantrum and Archeops. Interactive Learning Meets Pokémon Fandom According to an official description on the Pokémon website, visitors to the Chicago Field Museum can look forward to viewing vivid Pokémon models displayed alongside authentic specimens from the museum’s renowned collection.

Among the highlights, scientific casts of famous Field Museum dinosaurs—such as SUE the T.

rex and the Chicago Archaeopteryx—will be positioned next to their Pokémon counterparts, including Tyrantrum and Archeops.

The exhibit aims to provide an engaging, hands-on educational opportunity, allowing children and adults to explore the connections between paleontology and popular culture. As stated in the museum’s introduction, guests will have the unique chance to "observe detailed Pokémon models side by side with extinct animals from the Field Museum’s archives, including dinosaurs and early birds, compared to the fossil Pokémon featured in the gaming franchise." This setup encourages learning through comparison and curiosity, making science accessible for new generations of Pokémon fans. Chicago Launch and Nationwide Plans The Pokémon Fossil Museum's debut at the Chicago Field Museum starts on May 22, 2026.

While Chicago is the inaugural location for the U.S.

rollout, organizers have indicated plans to expand the exhibit to other museums across the country, bringing the experience to a wider American audience.

No additional dates and locations have been confirmed at this stage, but interested attendees can monitor the official Chicago Field Museum website for further announcements and ticket availability. Educational Impact and Industry Significance The Pokémon Field Museum exhibit exemplifies The Pokémon Company’s ongoing commitment to educational outreach, merging entertainment with real-world scientific knowledge.

By connecting the iconic world of Pokémon with paleontology, the exhibit not only enriches the franchise’s cultural legacy but also inspires curiosity and learning among young visitors.

This initiative highlights Nintendo’s continued influence outside of gaming, solidifying Pokémon’s status as a cross-generational phenomenon. For ticket information and ongoing updates as the Pokémon Fossil Museum prepares for its U.S.

premiere, visit the official Chicago Field Museum website.

Pokémon Nintendo Xbox Series X|S S Pokémon Fossil Museum Field Museum Chicago The Pokémon Company Pokémon Field Museum Chicago Field Museum Tyrantrum Archeops SUE the T. rex Archaeopteryx