Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum is bringing back the limited-edition Pikachu trading cards that resulted in a riot at the institution.
Per a report in Lifestyle Asia, the exclusive Pokémon trading cards will return in mid-February or March. The ‘Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat’ card is inspired by Van Gogh’s Self-portrait with Grey Felt Hat (1887).
The cards were first released in September as part of the Pokémon x Van Gogh collaboration for the museum’s 50th anniversary. This was launched to attract a younger demographic to the Van Gogh Museum.
However, following a riot at the museum, sales were limited and then cancelled entirely due to safety and security. Since then, scalpers have been reselling the cards online.
In a statement in October, the museum said: “Recently, a small group of individuals has created an undesirable situation that has led us to take the difficult decision to remove the ‘Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat’ promo card from the museum.”
The museum has now decided to release the cards again and implement tighter security. The cards will also be available in select local shops in the Netherlands.
Each of these stores will stock around 100 copies, but customers are required to spend at least €30 on Pokémon Trading Card Game merchandsie.
Pokémon x Van Gogh collaboration
Originally, the ‘Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat’ card was available after visitors had completed a ‘quest’ through the museum.
When the Pokémon partnership was first announced, Emilie Gordenker, general director of the Van Gogh Museum, said: “This collaboration will allow the next generation to get to know Vincent van Gogh’s art and life story in a refreshing way.
“The Van Gogh Museum and the Pokémon Company have drawn on many years of educational expertise to create a special experience for children, their supervisors, and we hope many others at the Van Gogh Museum.”
