An organic electroluminescent (EL) device (1) has at least one EL element (10) comprising an organic electroluminescent layer (6) and a relief pattern (7). The relief pattern serves to contain the fluid layer from which the EL layer (6) is obtained. In order to counteract the adverse effect the relief pattern may have on the service life of the EL device, the EL device is provided with an EL layer (6) substantially uniform in thickness. In addition, a matrix or segmented display device comprising a plurality of EL elements (10) is provided.In a preferred method of manufacturing the EL device the fluid layer is deposited by means of ink-jet printing, dispensing or spin-coating.