This organic electroluminescence element has an organic light-emitting layer between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, wherein the organic light-emitting layer contains a 1,3,6,8-tetrasubstituted pyrene compound having a specific structure as an organic light-emitting layer forming material. Provided are an organic light-emitting layer forming material that emits blue light with a high color purity, has a high luminous efficiency, and is stable for a long duration of operation, when used singly or as a guest, an organic EL element having a high luminous efficiency and a long operation lifetime, and a high-performance organic EL display that has a high luminous efficiency and a long operation lifetime.