Pokémon's 30th Anniversary Celebrated with Museum Exhibition in Paris

The Musée en Herbe in Paris is hosting an exhibition titled 'Admirez-les tous! Une exposition hommage à Pokémon' from April 16, 2026, to September 6, 2026, marking the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. Created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1996, Pokémon originated from his childhood insect-collecting hobby in Japan, leading to the release of Pokémon Rouge and Pokémon Bleu on the Nintendo Game Boy. The exhibition features interactive elements like oversized Game Boy consoles, original Japanese and French trading cards, and preparatory drawings from the animated series. Julien Bardakoff, the French translator responsible for naming Pokémon in the first two generations, provides insights through videos and monthly appearances. Art historical references are highlighted, with Pokémon illustrations nodding to works by Vincent van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Piet Mondrian, and Alphonse Mucha. Contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami, Hervé Di Rosa, Speedy Graphito, and Brusk have created Pokémon-inspired works, displayed with support from the Galerie Enrico Navarra. Notable pieces include a Charizard GX painting by Katherine Bernhardt and a crystallized quartz Pikachu sculpture by Daniel Arsham. The exhibition targets all ages, from 3 to 99, and is located at 23, rue de l'Arbre Sec in Paris's 75001 district.