A liquid crystal projector, comprising: a liquid crystal panel; a light source for irradiating light onto an image formed on the a liquid crystal panel; a projection lens for enlarging and projecting the image projected from the liquid crystal panel; a cooler, such as a suction fan, for sending cooling air flow onto a panel surface of the liquid crystal panel; an air velocity sensor for sensing air velocity of the cooling air flow sent onto the liquid crystal panel; and a protection device for protecting the liquid crystal panel on a basis of a detected value of the air velocity measured by the air velocity sensor. The is further formed an air passage for passing the cooling air flow along with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel, and the air velocity sensor is positioned in an exit portion of the cooling air flow passing through the liquid crystal panel.