The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has decided to stop distributing a limited edition Pokémon card due to safety and security concerns. The card, which was part of an exhibition exploring Vincent Van Gogh’s connection to Japanese art and culture, caused chaos in the museum’s shops after its release in September. The museum stated that the “undesirable situation” brought about by a group of individuals led to the difficult decision of removing the Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat promo card from the exhibits.
The removal of the card aims to ensure that visitors can explore the museum in a safe and enjoyable manner while prioritizing the safety and security of the staff. Unfortunately, the museum did not provide specific details regarding the safety issues associated with the card’s availability.
There have been reports of alleged scalpers rushing to the museum to obtain the limited edition cards and selling them at significantly inflated prices. Some online platforms have listed the cards for as high as €8,060 (£7,000). This situation prompted The Pokémon Company International to apologize to fans for the immediate sell-out and assure availability for purchase online in the UK, US, and Canada.
While the card will no longer be sold through the Van Gogh Museum, it will still be available for purchase in selected Dutch shops starting next year. The museum did not respond to requests for comments from the BBC.
The incident raises concerns about the safety and security measures museums need to implement when collaborating with popular franchises like Pokémon. Both museum staff and visitors should be cautious of potential issues that can arise, such as overcrowding, the presence of scalpers, and the impact on the overall visitor experience.
This situation highlights the immense popularity of Pokémon and the lengths people are willing to go to obtain limited edition items. Collectors and fans alike need to be vigilant to identify authentic cards and avoid falling victim to counterfeit or overpriced versions.
It is essential for museums to reassess their strategies for offering promotional items and ensure they have appropriate measures in place to handle and distribute them safely. This includes considering online sales platforms to prevent overcrowding and potential safety risks in physical shops.
Overall, the Van Gogh Museum’s decision to remove the Pikachu card demonstrates their commitment to visitor safety and the importance of striking a balance between offering unique experiences and maintaining security within the museum environment.
Van Gogh Museum Removes Pikachu Card Due to Safety Concerns
