Pokemon Van Gogh Museum drama takes another turn as report reveals stolen cards
The Pokemon CompanyAnother twist in the saga that is the collaboration between The Pokemon Company and the Van Gogh Museum has arrived as a report alleges that employees at the museum have been suspended for stealing cards and breaking the code of conduct.
The Pokemon collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum included the highly sought-after inclusion of the Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat card. While the collaboration was an exciting new venture for the Pokemon TCG community, the situation quickly escalated into madness as resellers and scalpers arrived on the scene.
While the in-person event was plagued by riots as individuals raced to secure cards and collectibles from the collaboration, they were just as difficult to secure online, adding to the exclusivity of the items.
It seems employees at the Van Gogh Museum quickly surmised how in demand these items would be and broke several rules that have now led to their reported suspension. A report from Netherlands media outlet Het Parool details the misconduct.
When translated into English, the article explains that “In mid-December, at least four employees of the Van Gogh Museum were suspended due to their behavior during the Pokemon exhibition.”
The article then goes into the alleged details that resulted in the suspensions. The outlet claims that several employees, including a tenured individual who had been working there for 25 years, “informed visitors in various ways about when they could buy tickets.”
This is a violation of the Van Gogh Museum’s code of conduct as employees provided friends and family with info on when and how the sought-after cards would be sold.
Perhaps the most shocking revelation from the Het Parool report was that “one employee allegedly embezzled a box of Pokemon cards.” Given the nature of the event and exclusivity of the items on sale, the museum felt the need to suspend several employees for their behavior.
The report confirmed that the employees would be relieved of their positions: “When asked, a spokesperson clarified that the employees will not return to the museum.”
The Pokemon Van Gogh exhibition has featured several twists and turns, with the latest adding to the scandal. Don’t be surprised to hear of more such cases as resellers continue their desperate attempt to secure these items.
For more Pokemon, check out everything you need to know about Mass Outbreaks in Scarlet and Violet, or find out what the Temporal Forces expansion is set to bring to the TCG.