PURPOSE: To enable the display effect of a small exhibit to be improved by locally illuminating the exhibit with an optical fiber with one edge thereof faced to an illuminant.

CONSTITUTION: Small exhibits 3 such as cards are inserted in grooves 7. The edge of an optical fiber 4 which faced to the exhibits 3, is made, for example, rough for light diffusion, and the optical fiber 4 is provided on a display stand 2 for emitting light to the exhibits 3, for example, in an oblique direction. When an illuminant 9 is turned on, respective exhibits 3 are intensively illuminated with stop light emitted from the edge of the optical fiber 4. On the other hand, other areas where no exhibits 3 are placed, are outside the illumination area of the optical fiber 4. According to the aforesaid construction, only the exhibits 3 are highlighted and attract visitors. In addition, the illumination device in the title can easily be constituted and manufactured less expensively.