ROOMS in a once-derelict building are being transformed for an Oxford museum’s first exhibition.

The Story Museum aims to become one of the city’s biggest attractions when it opens in Pembroke Street in two years’ time.

And its home in Pembroke House is being turned into a “giant compendium of stories” for the Other Worlds exhibition, which opens on May 1.

Among those taking part is artist Anita Klein, who has spent the last two weeks painting a huge mural around the exhibition’s entrance.

Ms Klein said: “My favourite art, which inspired me the most, has always been the decorated chapels in Italy.

“I love the idea of being totally surrounded by the art, so the opportunity to do something similar was too good to miss.”

Her mural, which is painted on the walls and over the ceiling, depicts angels rising and falling as the seasons pass.

It was developed in collaboration with writer John Simmons, one of 26 collaborations taking part for the exhibition. Everyone taking part has donated their time for free.

Ms Klein said: “The whole idea of the Story Museum is so exciting, it’s a lovely idea.

“The building itself is fantastic and everyone loves stories, they are a really important part of your childhood.”

Rooms in the exhibition have been transformed into stories about time travel, invisible women and worlds filled with storms and rain.

The museum is due to open in 2014, the year Oxford is bidding to become Unesco World Book Capital.

The museum received an anonymous donation in 2009 to buy a 130-year lease for the site, three disused buildings around a courtyard, at a cost of £2.2m.

Spokesman Cath Nightingale said: “We’re thrilled to see the potential our future home already has for stories.

“Seeing the artists starting to come in to set their installations up is really exciting.”

The exhibition opens at 9am, after Oxford’s May Morning celebrations and runs until May 27.

rpope@oxfordmail.co.uk