Abstract: An illumination or display element includes a hollow profile (1) which has a recess extending in a longitudinal direction for receiving a plurality of lighting means (2) and the electric lines thereof. The hollow profile includes two parallel, spaced apart limbs connected by a base body, and the recess is located between the limbs. The recess of the hollow profile is closed by a foil extending at least over a part of an outer lateral surface of the limbs. The foil may completely surround the hollow profile. The lighting means may face the base body of the hollow profile, provided that at least the base body of the hollow profile is transparent or translucent.