An exhibit at Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, featuring links between Japanese art that inspired some of Van Gogh’s work and Pokemon cartoon characters in new paintings inspired by Van Gogh’s work has inspired a spot of turmoil over valuable Pokemon cards issued as part of the museum’s promotion.
The fuss is over a special Pokemon card featuring Pikachu, issued specially for the museum and only available through the museum’s store. When the exhibit opened in September, the cards were sold out for weeks and the price in the aftermarket went through the roof.
At least four members of the museum’s staff have been suspended or fired over charges that they hid or stole supplies of the card, or tipped off members of the public when the cards would be available, according to Dutch newspaper Parool.
The workers involved, who worked in the wardrobe and ticket sales departments, had worked at the museum for as long as 25 years. The museum celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
