An active matrix liquid crystal display element and a projection type active matrix liquid crystal display device by which a display can be obtained which is good in color balance and high in brightness and also in contrast ratio. The display element includes a liquid crystal material held between an active matrix substrate and a counter electrode substrate. The liquid crystal material is formed from a liquid crystal polymer composite wherein nematic liquid crystal is contained dispersively in a polymer matrix having a refractive index which coincides with the ordinary refractive index of the liquid crystal used, and a silicon thin film transistor is used as an active element on the active matrix substrate. The display device includes such an active matrix liquid crystal display element, a light source for projection light, and an optical system of projection.