This guide won't tell you how to find your way around the museum, but if you see all the paintings and read all the descriptions in the guide, you will gain a huge increase in your knowledge of art. All the photos are in color, most are at least a half page, and the descriptions are always interesting. The guide says it contains 400 illustrations, and they had to leave out a lot. ( )

Official guide to the Prado, with 400 images in full colour, is a unique publication for learning about one of the largest and most important art galleries in the world. With texts by specialists in each school of art, it is aimed at both the first-time visitor and those who wish to learn more about the Museum's collections. From Romanesque to 19th century art, the Official Guide offers and enjoyable, illustrated survey of world painting and the work of the great masters such as El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Ribera, Bosch, Rubens, Titian and many others. It also features chapters on less well-known aspects of the collections, such as drawings, sculpture and decorative arts.

A complete guide to all the artwork displayed at Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. Very complete and thorough. A must have for art lovers and specially if you're looking into touring the museum. ( )