An illuminating apparatus that utilizes a plurality of light sources to generate bright input light for a projection display. The apparatus includes a lighting unit, a first reflector having a central region formed with an opening, a peripheral region around the central region for reflecting light from a plurality of lighting members to converge rearwardly, a second reflector disposed behind the first reflector and facing the opening in the first reflector, such that the light rays pass through the opening in the first reflector, and an integrator disposed in front of the first reflector to receive the light rays which passed through the opening in the first reflector.