Van Gogh Museum launches collaboration with Pokémon

Get ready to see Pikachu, Eevee, Snorlax, and many more Pokémon characters in post-impressionist versions.

The Pokemon Company International has collaborated with Amsterdam's Vincent Van Gogh Museum, which aims to introduce new audiences, especially children and the youth, to the work of the acclaimed Dutch painter.

This project will run from September 28 to January 7.

The museum’s website shared that both Van Gogh and Pokémon have a special connection with Japanese art and culture.

Vincent wrote in a letter to his brother Theo: “And we wouldn’t be able to study Japanese art, it seems to me, without becoming much happier and more cheerful, and it makes us return to nature, despite our and our work in a world of convention.”

The Pokémon Company artists created new versions of Van Gogh’s most famous works from the museum’s permanent collection, such as Pikachu shown in Self-portrait with Grey Felt Hat (1887), Sunflora in Sunflowers (1889), and Snorlax and Munchlax in The Bedroom (1888).

Museum guests may also take part in the Pokémon Adventure, where they will be given an activity leaflet to complete. After submitting this, they will receive a special Pikachu x Van Gogh Museum promo card.

A video will also be available at the museum restaurant that teaches visitors how to draw Pikachu. Online, there are also learning materials about Van Gogh’s connection with Japan.

Additionally, the Van Gogh Museum Shop on-site and online, and The Pokémon Centre's online store will feature an exclusive range of merchandise.

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News