The Field Museum and the Chicago Transit Authority are partnering this summer to celebrate the North American debut of Pokémon Fossil Museum, according to a June 2 announcement. Select CTA routes will feature artwork from the exhibition, and riders can purchase limited-edition Ventra cards with an image of Excavator Pikachu as part of the collaboration.
Bridgette Russell, Senior Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Field Museum, said, “Pokémon Fossil Museum is such a fun, creative exhibition that connects natural history with popular culture. The CTA partnership allows Chicagoans and visitors to explore the city, much like they explore at the Field Museum, while helping us recognize the fascinating connection between Pokémon and paleontology.”
Eric Munn, CTA Director of Marketing, said, “CTA is always looking for creative ways to connect riders to the people, places, and experiences that make Chicago unique. This partnership with the Field Museum brings together transit, culture, and one of the world’s most beloved brands in a fun, engaging way. Whether riders are longtime Pokémon fans or first-time exhibition visitors, CTA is proud to help them enjoy the experience from the moment they begin their trip.”
Pokémon Fossil Museum artwork will appear on select buses traveling across specific bus routes as well as Red Line trains and at Washington and Wabash ‘L’ Station. Limited-edition Ventra cards are available online only; they require an additional cost with either a pass purchase or at least $5 in transit value. Cards can be shipped only within U.S. addresses.
The Field Museum operates as a natural and cultural history museum situated in Chicago, according to its official website. The museum aims to connect visitors with nature and human history through immersive exhibitions such as Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet featuring SUE the T. rex; it also includes interactive spaces like McDonald’s Fossil Preparation Lab for observing scientific work while enhancing community engagement through educational events.
Tickets for Pokémon Fossil Museum are available on fieldmuseum.org. The exhibition runs through April 11.
