Children's storytelling and literature attraction the Story Museum, in Oxford, UK, has received Art Council England funding for the modernisation of its facilities, due to open in 2015.

The museum - which aims to inspire learning, improve language skills and build confidence in children - currently occupies a dilapidated building, which it is using for "atmospheric" events and exhibitions.

The museum received £465,000 towards its planned upgrade as part of Art Council small grants funding, announced on 22 January.

Story Museum co-director Kim Pickin said the grant, which follows Oxford City Council granting planning approval for the museum in December, would boost efforts to fundraise a further £7.5m.

Poet and broadcaster Michael Rosen, who is a patron of the museum, said: "In a set of extraordinary buildings and spaces, people will be able to sit, climb, think, draw, listen, watch and tell stories themselves."

The Story Museum is one of 12 Happy Museums across the UK dedicated to a more sustainable future, and currently takes events and exhibitions out to local schools and communities.