The invention provides an organic electroluminescent device having at least an organic compound layer provided between a pair of electrodes. The organic electroluminescent device has at least a polymer comprising a metal complex containing a tri- or higher-dentate ligand in the polymer molecule. The metal complex preferably contains a tetra- or higher-dentate ligand in the polymer molecule. At least one of the ligands is preferably a chain. The metal complex preferably contains a transition metal ion or a rare earth metal ion. The metal complex preferably contains a nitrogen atom in its complex structure. Further, the polymer preferably contains the metal complex in its main chain or its side chain.