Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive projection display that allows a pixel grid as ineffective portions of respective pixels of a light valve to be made inconspicuous. The projection display includes a birefringent element (43) for spatially separating light from a transmission liquid crystal light valve (39). The birefringent element (43) includes a first birefringent plate (40) that the light from the liquid crystal light valve (39) enters, a second birefringent plate (41) that light from the first birefringent plate (40) enters, and a third birefringent plate (42) that light from the second birefringent plate (41) enters. A polarization direction of the light entering the first birefringent plate (40) forms an angle of n×45° (n is an integer other than 0) with an optic axis of the first birefringent plate (40) projected on an incident surface of the first birefringent plate (40).