In an illumination system (1) having a control unit (2) and at least one de-central lamp operating device (12, 22) for operating one or more associated lamps (LA), the lamp operating device (12, 22) can be operated in different operational modes. In accordance with the invention the central control unit (2) and the lamp operating device (12, 22) are so configured that the selection and setting of an operational mode for the lamp operating device (12, 22) can be carried out from or via the central control unit (2).