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to Table of ContentsHOUSTON
With a population of 1.6 million, Houston is the largest city in
Texas and the fourth largest in the nation. The greater Houston area
has a population of over 4.1 million and covers 8,778 square miles.
Houston's economic vitality is concentrated in the energy, health
care, and chemical industries. Houstonians support more than 500
cultural, visual, and performing arts organizations; 75 art
galleries; 5 major museums; resident companies in opera, theater,
symphony, and ballet; and 5 major league sports franchises. More than
90 languages are spoken in the Houston area.
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
center. More than 4.2 million patients visit the Medical Center
annually.
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 miniature train, the
Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theater, Carruth Playground for
All Children, and Rose Garden and Garden Center.
THE MUSEUM DISTRICT
The Museum of Fine Arts, the Contemporary Arts
Museum, the Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural
Science, the C. G. Jung Educational Center, the
Holocaust Museum Houston, the Lawndale Art and Performance
Center, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum, the Museum
of Health & Medical Science, and the Menil Collection
make up the Museum District, located northeast of the campus.
THE VILLAGE AND
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS
Across Greenbriar, the street forming the university's western
boundary, is The Village, 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.