Pokémon Fossil Museum Coming to Chicago’s Field Museum in 2026
In a groundbreaking fusion of pop culture and paleontology, the Pokémon Fossil Museum will make its North American debut at the Field Museum in Chicago on May 22, 2026. Announced last week by The Pokémon Company on its official website, the exhibition will offer fans and fossil enthusiasts alike an immersive experience that compares ancient Pokémon species with real-world prehistoric life.
First launched in Japan in 2021, the Pokémon Fossil Museum has captivated audiences with its creative approach to science education, touring multiple locations across the country. Its upcoming appearance in Chicago marks the first time the exhibit will be available outside Japan.
Visitors to the Field Museum will be able to explore side-by-side displays of iconic fossil Pokémon such as Omastar, Aerodactyl, Tyrantrum, and Archeops next to genuine fossils from the museum’s vast collection. Notably, the exhibit will feature SUE the T. rex, one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever discovered, alongside the Pokémon it inspired.
The exhibition is being developed in collaboration with Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science and The Pokémon Company International. It will be narrated by characters such as “Professor Fossil” and “Excavator Pikachu,” designed to make learning about Earth’s deep past both accessible and fun for younger audiences.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Pokémon Fossil Museum to Chicago,” said museum officials in a statement. “This exhibit is a celebration of imagination and scientific discovery, highlighting how entertainment and education can work hand in hand.”
Tickets for the Pokémon Fossil Museum exhibition will be sold separately from general admission. Fans are encouraged to sign up for updates through the Field Museum’s website, as demand is expected to be high.
Whether you’re a longtime Pokémon fan or a curious museum-goer, this one-of-a-kind exhibit promises to be a journey through time—both real and imagined.
