A wavelength conversion element according to an aspect of the invention includes a wavelength conversion layer having a light incident surface on which excitation light is incident and a light exiting surface that faces away from the light incident surface and a cooler including a support member that supports the wavelength conversion layer and a light transmissive member that has a curved surface that protrudes in the direction opposite the direction in which the excitation light travels, faces the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion layer, and is bonded to the support member via a bonding member. An air layer provided between the light incident surface of the wavelength conversion layer and the light transmissive member, and the air layer is thinner than the bonding member.