Pokémon Fossil Museum Heads to North America

The Pokémon Fossil Museum is officially making its North American debut, with Chicago’s Field Museum set to host the special exhibition beginning May 22, 2026.

Arriving as the United States prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup festivities, the exhibition is expected to become one of the summer’s major family attractions, especially for international visitors traveling through North America during the tournament.

Originally launched in Japan, the Pokémon Fossil Museum blends the world of Pokémon with real-world paleontology by placing fossil Pokémon alongside actual prehistoric discoveries. Visitors will be able to explore displays featuring fossil Pokémon like Tyrantrum and Archeops next to real fossils and scientific casts from the Field Museum’s collection, including SUE the T. rex and the famed Chicago Archaeopteryx.

Developed in collaboration with Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science, The Pokémon Company group, and the Field Museum, the experience is designed to introduce visitors to how fossils are discovered, studied, and reconstructed across both worlds. The exhibition will also feature appearances from Pokémon “Professors,” Excavator Pikachu, and Field Museum scientists throughout the experience.

The event marks the first time the Pokémon Fossil Museum has ever been shown outside of Japan, bringing one of Pokémon’s most unique educational projects to North America for the very first time.

“For 30 years, the Pokémon brand has been adored by fans around the world, stoking fascination and curiosity for the franchise’s many iconic Pokémon,” said Jaap Hoogstraten, Head of Exhibitions at the Field Museum. He added that the exhibition aligns closely with the museum’s mission to inspire curiosity and learning through science and discovery.

Tickets are available now, though several early dates have already sold out, so visitors are encouraged to continue checking availability through the Field Museum’s website. Pokémon has also released a dedicated Pokémon Fossil Museum merchandise collection through its official online store alongside the exhibition rollout.

The Pokémon Fossil Museum opens May 22, 2026 at Chicago’s Field Museum. Stay tuned for more updates as the opening date approaches, and an exclusive closer look. Select pieces of the Pokémon Fossil Museum collection is pictured below.