ESA and Pokémon exhibition opens in Toulouse

The Cité de l'espace in Toulouse is hosting an exhibition titled ESA x Pokémon, a unique collaboration between the European Space Agency and The Pokémon Company International. The event began on October 2, 2026, and will continue until April 30, 2027, covering an area of 75 square meters.

Astronaut Pikachu as the exhibition mascot

The exhibition features an astronaut Pikachu as its mascot, which appears on various products from the collaboration. Visitors must have an entry ticket to the Cité de l'espace to access the shop, which sells these themed items.

Interactive Pokémon GO experience

The exhibition includes a special Pokémon GO gameplay experience, allowing players to engage in unique wild encounters, level 1 raids with astronaut Pikachu, and one-time studies integrated into the Cité de l'espace. This interactive element aims to blend gaming with educational content about space.

Educational mission of the Cité de l'espace

Christophe Chaffardon, Director of Education, Science, and Culture at the Cité de l'espace, explained that the mission of the venue is to educate a broad audience about space, including astronauts, space activities, and the exploration of the solar system. The Cité de l'espace, located in Toulouse, has been doing this for nearly 30 years.

Collaboration origins and secrecy

The collaboration between ESA and Pokémon was initiated by ESA, which sought to partner with an international pop culture entity. The project was kept confidential for a time, with only a few people at the Cité de l'espace initially aware of it. The venue was chosen for its focus on space and its status as Europe's largest space science museum.

Special video from the International Space Station

The Cité de l'espace has added a unique feature: a video filmed by French astronaut Sofia Deno alongside astronaut Pikachu on the International Space Station. This video will be shown to visitors, adding a real-space element to the exhibition.

Strong ties with Japanese space agencies

The Cité de l'espace has strong connections with Japan, especially with the Japanese space agency JAXA. These ties are reflected in its permanent exhibitions, which include samples from space missions like the Japanese Hayabusa mission. The Cité de l'espace will also broadcast the launch of the Japanese MMX mission to Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos.

Exhibition aims to attract a wide audience

The exhibition is expected to draw a diverse crowd, including Pokémon fans and families, serving as an introduction to the world of space. The Cité de l'espace is open from Tuesday to Sunday, offering activities suitable for all ages. Visitors will have the chance to meet astronaut Pikachu and gain new insights into space exploration.