A projector includes: an optical system includes a light source, a light modulation element for modulating light emitted from the light source to form an optical image, and a projection lens for projecting the optical image, the optical system is structured such that an illumination optical axis of the light source and a projection optical axis of the projection lens cross each other substantially at right angles in the plan view; and a cooling fan configured to the light modulation element, and has a rotation axis crossing each other substantially at right angles with a discharge direction where a cooling air is discharged, the cooling fan is disposed in the vicinity of the projection lens and on the side where the light source is provided such that the rotation axis extends in the thickness direction of the projector.