An organic electroluminescent device includes an electroluminescent element, which is enclosed in a housing. The deterioration in uniformity of the luminous surface, which occurs when an electroluminescent device is stored or operated under ambient conditions, and which deterioration manifests itself, for example, in the form of "dark spots", can be overcome to a substantial degree in accordance with the invention by using an airtight and waterproof housing which is sealed by a low-melting metal, such as a BiSn alloy.