Pokémon fans can join a new space-inspired adventure at the Science Museum from Friday 2 October, when an out-of-this-world trail takes over the museum’s galleries as Trainers around the world celebrate 30 years of the much-loved brand. Created in partnership with the European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International, the Pokémon Space Trail pairs Pokémon with real stories of European space science to celebrate human curiosity and our quest to understand the universe.
Spanning several galleries, the Pokémon Space Trail features large-scale installations starring beloved Pokémon. As visitors explore, they’ll encounter stops featuring Pokémon such as Pikachu, Lunatone, Arceus and more; learn stories of space exploration; discover ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot, who was joined by the ‘Astronaut Pikachu’ plush aboard the International Space Station; and enjoy Trainer-friendly photo moments. In the museum’s Space gallery, the trail explores how NASA and ESA are returning to the Moon with the Artemis programme while also highlighting the Moon’s impact in the world of Pokémon, from Eevee’s moonlit evolution to Lunatone’s lunar powers.
After completing the trail, fans who have booked a free timed ticket can enjoy a dedicated Pokémon gift shop on the museum’s mezzanine level. A carefully selected range of Pokémon and ESA merchandise will be available to purchase, including a limited number of Astronaut Pikachu plush, available while stocks last. Visitors will need to book a free timed ticket for the shop in advance and purchase limits will apply for some products (including the Astronaut Pikachu plush and Trading Card Game products), helping to ensure as many fans as possible have the opportunity to purchase these sought-after items.
There will also be a wider selection of Pokémon merchandise, including clothing, stationery, selected Pokémon Trading Card Game products from the Scarlet & Violet series and collectables.
Visitors to the museum can enhance their adventure with Pokémon GO gameplay, including One-Star Raids with the chance to catch Astronaut Pikachu, Timed Research and special Pokémon encounters. Gamers can continue the fun in Power Up and put their skills to the test across Pokémon Snap on Nintendo 64, Pokémon Battle Revolution on Wii, Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Switch 2, and more!
Libby Jackson, Head of Space at the Science Museum, said: ‘Visitors can set off on an adventure of discovery with our new free trail at the Science Museum, which brings beloved Pokémon into the museum’s galleries to reveal connections between the worlds of Pokémon and science. We are thrilled to be working with the European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International, and hope visitors of all ages enjoy following the Pokémon Space Trail and discovering something unexpected about the universe along the way.’
Mathieu Galante, Senior Director of Licensing at The Pokémon Company International, said: ‘Every Pokémon journey begins with a sense of wonder about what lies beyond the world you know. From distant regions to encounters that reach into outer space, that spirit of discovery has always been part of being a Pokémon Trainer. Collaborating with ESA opens a new frontier for fans, bringing together the world of Pokémon and the wonder of space for visitors at locations across Europe.’
The adventure continues on Thursday 26 November with a special special Pokémon x ESA Lates. Visitors can follow the Pokémon Space Trail after hours, browse the Pokémon x ESA product collection and dance to space-inspired DJ sets. Two worlds collide in stellar talks on the science of Pokémon, while gaming fans can challenge fellow Trainers at the board game café before catching Pokémon Detective Pikachu in IMAX: The Ronson Theatre. There’ll also be workshops, performances and plenty of surprises for aspiring astronauts and budding Pokémon Trainers alike.
Younger fans can also enjoy their own overnight adventure at Astronights on Saturday 14 November, Saturday 28 November and Saturday 5 December 2026. The museum’s much-loved sleepover for children and their parents or guardians offers families the chance to take part in space-inspired activities and follow the Pokémon Space Trail before camping out amongst the Science Museum’s iconic objects.
