Pokémon Fossil Museum is coming to the US and it’s a prehistoric dream

The Pokémon Fossil Museum is officially making its U.S. debut at Chicago’s Field Museum in May 2026, and yes, it's the same dino-magic exhibit that had fans in Japan geeking out. After thrilling fans across Japan since 2021, this immersive, dino-inspired exhibit is set to bring its unique blend of fantasy and science to American audiences for the first time. Here’s everything you need to know!Originally launched in Japan in 2021, the Pokémon Fossil Museum is a traveling exhibit that blends science and nostalgia in the most unexpected way. It's like stepping into a mash-up of Jurassic Park and Pokémon Snap, and somehow even cooler. The goal? To teach fans about paleontology through the lens of Pokémon. Yes, it’s educational—but also ridiculously fun.The Field Museum in Chicago is set to host the U.S. kickoff of this traveling exhibit starting May 22, 2026. That gives you a solid year to get your travel plans, cosplay, and Pokédex prepped. If it follows the same pattern as in Japan, the exhibit will hang around for 1–4 months, so don’t snooze on this. Plus, Chicago’s Field Museum already has major fossil clout, so it’s the perfect battleground for Pokémon-meets-prehistory.Don’t expect just the usual fossil pokemons like Kabutops and Omastar. This exhibit goes deeper. We’re talking big-name skeletons like:You’ll be able to compare Pokémon anatomy with real dinosaur and prehistoric creature bones. It's basically a science lesson disguised as a wild Pokémon encounter. The skeletal designs are totally unique. They’re not just copied from the anime or games—they’re custom-created to feel scientifically plausible, while staying true to each Pokémon’s vibe.Absolutely not. Whether you’re a longtime Gen 1 OG or someone who got into Pokémon through Scarlet and Violet, there’s something here for every trainer. This is part of The Pokémon Company’s mission to keep the franchise evolving, and it’s one of the most creative crossovers yet.If you’ve ever wondered what Aerodactyl’s bones would actually look like IRL—or you just want a reason to dress like a lab-coat-wearing Professor Oak—this is your moment. Mark your calendar: May 22, 2026. Book that Chicago trip. And get ready to walk among ancient Pokémon in the flesh. And hey, who says learning about prehistoric life can’t come with a side of Poké-power?