Van Gogh Museum to Stop Issuing Pokémon Pikachu Promo Cards
Citing “safety concerns” as visitors continue to be hassled by resellers and eager collectors.
The Van Gogh Museum has officially announced that it will stop issuing limited edition Pokémon cards, specifically the “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat promo card.” Citing its reason for this “difficult decision,” the Museum shared that it was due to the actions of “a small group of individuals” causing an “undesirable situation.”
This particular collaboration has been in the headlines since its frenzied opening in late September, which saw merchandise sell out almost instantaneously as fans and resellers alike stormed the shops. Earlier this month, The Pokémon Company apologized for the instant sellout, stating, “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 channels for guidance on how and when to purchase.”
With the “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat promo card” no longer attainable through the Museum’s interactive challenge, its resale value has only increased, with recent sales on secondary markets, observed at the time of writing, going for as high as $180 USD per card — although the average does appear to be $50-$80 USD.
The Van Gogh Museum shared that the safety of its staff and visitors is its priority and hopes that the removal of the card will allow guests to explore the exhibits in a “safe and enjoyable manner.”
For those looking to obtain the limited edition Pikachu promo card, it seems there will be another chance to do so, through random distribution via orders 0f $30 USD or more, according to the post below from The Pokémon Company.
Trainers, you can now head to Pokémon Center for a chance to receive one “Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat” promo card with a Pokémon Center order containing Pokémon Trading Card Game products, while supplies last (minimum purchase of $30 in qualifying Pokémon TCG items required,… https://t.co/DYvBPLMDcI
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) October 17, 2023
Elsewhere in art, take a look inside Hypeart’s Love Letters to LA charity exhibition.
