A lighting system (10) for displays, in particular in motor vehicles, comprises: a support (12), at least one first lighting device (14) for a spot-like illumination, which is mounted on the support (12), a planar second lighting device (16) which is arranged on the support (12) and has at least one cut-out (17) or one transparent area, in which or below which the at least one first lighting system (14) is placed, and a transparent cover (18), which is arranged spaced from the support (12) on the side of the support with the first and second lighting devices (14, 16), and which has at least one symbol (20) to be illuminated from behind by the first lighting device (14).