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Pokémon x Van Gogh Museum

In 2023, the Van Gogh Museum celebrated its 50th anniversary. To mark this milestone, Pokémon and the Van Gogh Museum launched an official collaboration aimed at introducing new audiences to the work of Vincent van Gogh.

Brand Licenses

On 27 September 2023 the official launch event took place in the museum with members of the press, influencers, and museum staff. From 28 September 2023 until 7 January 2024 children could enjoy various Pokémon themed activities at the museum.

The partnership was based on the shared link with Japanese art and culture: Pokémon is a Japanese pop culture icon, and Japanese prints were a significant source of inspiration for Vincent van Gogh.

The Pokémon themed activities included:

Pokémon paintings on view

Artists Naoyo Kimura (1960), sowsow (1988) and Tomokazu Komiya (1973) made Pokémon paintings inspired by famous works by Vincent van Gogh, such as Pikachu inspired by Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat, Munchlax & Snorlax inspired by The Bedroom, and Sunflora inspired by Sunflowers.

Pokémon Adventure & Drawing Pikachu

Children aged six and above could participate in the Pokémon Adventure at the museum, which introduced them to the Pokémon paintings and the stories behind Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces.

Furthermore, a guided video activity was available in the museum that taught young visitors how to draw fan favourite Pokémon Pikachu, and encouraged them to try this for themselves.

A boy and his mother are looking at the Pokémon presentation in the museum, while doing the Pokémon Adventure. Photo: David Stegenga

Pokémon Adventure treasure hunt along the Pokémon paintings

Teaching material

An (online) lesson exploring the relationship between Van Gogh and Japanese artists was developed for primary and secondary schoolchildren. Vincent van Gogh was a great admirer of Japanese prints. He liked the large areas of strong colours, the everyday subjects, and the focus on details from nature.

The teaching material is available in Dutch and English in the lessons overview at the educational platform Van Gogh at School until the end of 2026.

Exclusive merchandise

As part of this partnership, a special Pokémon promo card, and an exclusive range of Pokémon x Van Gogh Museum products was developed. The merchandise was available in the Van Gogh Museum shop and webstore, and via The Pokémon Centre.

Visit the museum's webstore