scalpers disrupt online sales of pokémon van gogh merchandise

UPDATE: After last month’s announcement of the unlikely collaboration between the Pokémon Company and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the museum has now opened its doors to welcome Pokémon enthusiasts.

Until January 7, 2024, visitors can enter the world of Vincent van Gogh and Pokémon at the museum while participating in an array of surprising activities available both on-site and online.

One of the activities at the museum instructs visitors on drawing Pikachu, the iconic yellow character synonymous with the Pokémon brand. Another exhibit delves into the profound influence of Japanese art and culture on Vincent van Gogh’s artistic style and worldview.

Emilie Gordenker, the General Director of the Van Gogh Museum, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating,‘This collaboration will allow the next generation to get to know Vincent van Gogh’s art and life story in a refreshing way. The Van Gogh Museum and The Pokémon Company have drawn on many years of educational expertise to create a special experience for children, their supervisors, and we hope many others at the Van Gogh Museum.’

However, there was a notable disappointment as all items from the Pokémon Van Gogh Museum collection quickly sold out, even though the collaboration had just begun one day earlier. The team apologized to fans as scalpers swarmed the Van Gogh Museum, purchasing most special edition products and reselling them at significantly higher prices on online auction platforms. Nevertheless, the team is grateful for the patience and support of their dedicated fanbase.

Left: Pikachu inspired by Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, 2022, Naoyo Kimura (1960), The Pokémon Company International. Right: Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, Vincent van Gogh, 1887, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation) | all images © the Van Gogh Museum

We apologize to all the fans eagerly awaiting our Pokémon Center x Van Gogh Museum release today.

Due to overwhelming demand, all our products from this collection have sold out. We understand this is disappointing to many who were looking to our official email and social media… pic.twitter.com/KM3ZCO1EQZ

— Pokémon (@Pokemon) September 29, 2023

Pokémon x Van Gogh in an unexpected collaboration

The Pokémon Company and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam have recently unveiled an unexpected collaboration set to commence on September 28th, 2023. This unique partnership brings together two distinct worlds: the world of Pokémon, known for its fantastical creatures with extraordinary abilities, and the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum, which houses some of the most iconic masterpieces in art history.

In the short teaser trailer provided above, we get a sneak peek of the forthcoming art campaign. The video showcases the beloved Pokémon mascots, Pikachu and Eevee, frolicking amidst a picturesque landscape of sunflowers and windmills — two elements frequently found in Vincent van Gogh’s timeless artworks. As the duo playfully navigate this sunflower-strewn countryside, a single drop from the sky falls onto Pikachu’s head, making the two Pokémon gaze skywards and notice a sudden transformation in the landscape. The scenery takes on a style reminiscent of the Dutch painter’s post-impressionist art, with his distinctive brushstrokes sweeping across the sky, creating a breathtakingly artistic atmosphere.

bridging the Pokémon universe & the world of fine art

The trailer takes a surprising turn as the sunflowers themselves morph into the cheerful Sunflora, a Pokémon species that seems perfectly at home in Van Gogh’s artistic realm. The teaser also offers a fleeting glimpse of Van Gogh’s renowned masterpiece, Sunflowers, with Sunflora taking center stage, bringing together the worlds of pocket monsters and post-impressionist art. This surprise collaboration between the Pokémon company (see more here) and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam (more here) promises a unique and enchanting experience, combining two disparate realms into an imaginative fusion of creativity. This partnership is sure to be a hit with fans of both Pokémon and art.

Munchlax & Snorlax inspired by The Bedroom, 2022, sowsow (1988), The Pokémon Company International

project info:

campaign: The Pokémon Company | @PokemonNewsUK and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam | @vangoghmuseum

on view until: until 7 January, 2024