When a projection lens system used for a rear projection type image display apparatus has a first lens group having an aspherical lens surface, a second lens group, a third lens group sharing almost all the positive refractive power of the overall system, a fourth lens group having an aspherical lens surface, a fifth lens group, and a sixth lens group including a lens having a profile of aspherical surface in which the concave surface thereof faces the screen side and the refractive power in the marginal area is weaker than the refractive power around the optical axis, a projection lens system having a large aperture ratio (low F-number), high focus, wide field angle, and sufficient marginal light amount ratio can be realized at a low cost. When a predetermined opening portion is formed in the projection lens and lens barrel, the lens elements are cooled by air suction and exhaust and the lowering of the lens performance due to temperature change can be prevented. When a flange is arranged in a suitable location of the opening portion, entry of a foreign material from the opening portion and light leakage from the inside are prevented and the contrast performance of the projection type image display apparatus can be prevented from lowering.