An organic light emitting diode color display unit has a substrate, an organic electroluminescent device formed on the substrate, a transparent cover plate disposed opposite to the substrate and a color filter element formed on the transparent cover plate. The organic electroluminescent device includes an electroluminescent zone comprising a thin film of an organic electroluminescent material. The color filter element is spaced from the organic electroluminescent device and associated with the organic electroluminescent device. Light from the organic electroluminescent device is emitted from the transparent cover plate.