The invention relates to an image display apparatus and a control method thereof. It is possible to prevent a situation that the display apparatus is left with the power turned on after the interruptprocess. A projector (1) includes an image projection unit (17) for displaying an image by a liquid crystal panel, and a controller (10) that powers off the projector (1) after displaying a black image in the image projection unit (17) for a predetermined time (a set refresh time) in a refresh mode for improving burn-in of the liquid crystal panel, in which the controller (10) stops the refresh mode when an interrupt event is generated before the set refresh time elapses in the refresh mode and powers off the projector (1) after executing an interrupt process according to the interrupt event.