An organic EL display includes an organic EL element which includes first and second electrodes and an active layer interposed therebetween and including an emitting layer, and an outcoupling layer facing the first electrode. The organic EL element forms a waveguide layer which includes the first electrode and the active layer and in which light components from the emitting layer propagate in an in-plane direction while causing multiple-beam interference. A distance between the outcoupling layer and the waveguide layer is shorter than a wavelength of light from the organic EL element. A guide length x, a number of reflection m, an absorption coefficient .alpha., and an outcoupling efficiency .beta. satisfy a relationship represented by an inequality:.beta..times..times..beta..times..alpha..function..times..time- s.> ##EQU00001##