THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER
Southeast of campus is the Texas Medical Center, the largest concentration of health care facilities in the world. Texas Medical Center has 42 member institutions, including two medical schools, four schools of nursing, 13 hospitals, and other medical facilities which are all not-for-profit. There are over 10,000 students enrolled and over 49,000 employees on the 675-acre campus.
HERMANN PARK
Immediately east of the campus is Hermann Park, Houston's first public park. In addition to picnic areas, a reflecting pool, and a Japanese garden, the park includes a golf course, a zoo, a miniature train, and an outdoor theater.
THE MUSEUM DISTRICT
The Museum of Fine Arts, the Contemporary Arts Museum, the Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural Science, the Glassell School of Art, the Rothko Chapel, the C. G. Jung Educational Center, the Holocaust Museum Houston, Lawndale Art and Performance Center, Houston Zoological Gardens, and the Menil Collection make up the Museum District, located northeast of the campus.
THE VILLAGE AND RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
Across Greenbriar, which is on the university's western boundary, is a collection of shopping, dining, and entertainment establishments enjoyed by members of the Rice and greater Houston communities. The neighborhoods of Southampton, Southampton Extension, Boulevard Oaks, Broad Acres, and Shadyside lie to the north of campus; West University Place and Southside Place lie to the west; and Southgate lies to the southwest.