The present invention relates to a display book system (1) comprising a frame (2) which defines a viewing window (21) and a passé-par-tout (3) which defines a viewing compartment (31), in a position aligned with the window (21) of the frame, for accommodating a subject to be displayed and which is visible through the viewing window of the frame. A book portion can be annexed thereto to form the display book system. In alternative embodiments, a display book system is modified to provide a viewing compartment formed in association with the framed picture portion (frame, passé-par-tout) to allow display of discrete objects including three dimensional objects such as figurines as well as images and pictures, opaque or translucent, which are substantially two dimensional. Illumination capability (10) is provided to allow lighting of the object displayed (front or back-lit) or self illumination. The frame itself can also be illuminated for, e.g., decorative motivation.