Abstract: A visual display apparatus (1) is disclosed which finds particular use as a sign in retail advertising or as a toy whereby a child can arrange display elements (5) in an appealing pattern. The sign (1) includes a ferromagnetic support (2) upon which magnetic display elements (5) can be positioned. Each element (5) comprises a magnetic base (10), an axle (11) projecting up from the magnetic base (10) through the bore (30) of a peripherally-toothed disc-like gear (13) and through the bore (31) of a spacer (19), the spacer (19) being affixed to the toothed gear (13), and a disc-shaped display sheet (15) mounted on the spacer (19) and fast therewith. The toothed gears (13) of adjacent elements (5) engage so that rotational movement of one element (5) causes movement of the adjacent element (5). Adjacent elements (5) are placed on the support surface to spell out a word or other required advertising.