A projector having an image display element for modulating light on the basis of an image signal and a projection lens for projecting light emitted from the image display element on a screen, includes: a lamp which has a light emitting source for emitting light; a reflector which reflects light emitted from the light emitting source; a cover glass which covers an emission surface of light from the reflector; a cooling fan disposed outside the reflector; and an air direction changing unit which changes a direction of cooling air caused by the cooling fan. The air direction changing unit is disposed within a space surrounded by the reflector and the cover glass, and outside an emitted light path of light reflected by the reflector. Cooling air within the space is exhausted outside the projector through the cooling fan.