A transparent display includes nanoparticles having wavelength-selective scattering (e.g., resonant scattering) to preferentially scatter light at one or more discrete wavelengths so as to create images. The nanoparticles transmit light at other wavelengths to maintain a high transparency of the display. The nanoparticles are disposed in proximity to a thin film, which can enhance the scattering the process by reflecting light back to the nanoparticles for re-scattering or increasing the quality factor of the resonant scattering.