According to one embodiment, a display device includes an optical element including a transmission axis which transmits first linearly polarized light and reflecting second linearly polarized light which crosses the transmission axis, a display unit which emits display light of the second linearly polarized light towards the optical element, a retroreflector including a retroreflective unit which retroreflects reflection light reflected by the optical element, and a non-retroreflective unit, a modulating element including a modulating unit disposed in a position which overlaps the retroreflective unit, and a non-modulating unit disposed in a position which overlaps the non-retroreflective unit.