Abstract: An apparatus for displaying an image in space and for providing a background image behind the projected image having an image generator and optical system for projecting an image of an object in an image plane suspended in space. A partially light-transmissive screen is located between the image generator and optical system and the projected image. The screen contains a pattern of juxtaposed light-transmissive regions, through which the image is projected, and regions which are not light-transmissive (ie, substantially opaque areas or reflective surfaces). The background image is printed, or painted, on the opaque areas on the side of the screen remote from the image generator optical system. The screen may be made by printing the background image on opaque areas on a translucent or transparent film, or by printing the background image on a foraminated or perforated opaque sheet.