Fluorescent backlit displays or the like

A fluorescent backlit display or the like embodying a generally planar light transmissive display panel, a back wall having a generally planar diffusely reflective surface facing, spaced from and parallel with the display panel an array of spaced parallel cylindrical lamps between and parallel with the display panel and back wall, improved light leveling means including masking means on the side of each lamp facing the display panel, and a light spreader associated with each lamp at the diffusely reflective back wall surface and effective to reflect laterally outwardly onto the back wall surface light flux directed thereat from the side of said lamps facing said back wall, whereupon the thus reflected light flux is directed forwardly toward areas of said display panel in front of the respective lamps. The display is of modular construction and employs a rectangular supporting frame on the front of which the display panel is mounted and in which modular lighting units are readily removably accommodated in operative position in side by side abutting relation. Each lighting unit has at least one lamp carried by a tray in a manner to dispose all of the lamps in equally spaced parallel relation when the lighting units are in operative position. Lighting unit trays are optionally sectional to facilitate handling and shipping.