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With a population of 1.8 million, Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the nation. The greater Houston area has a population of more than 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 professional sports franchises. More than 90 languages are spoken in the Houston area.
Southeast of campus is the Texas Medical Center, the largest concentration of health care facilities in the world. Texas Medical Center has over 40 member institutions, including two medical schools, four schools of nursing, 13 hospitals, and other medical facilities which are not-for-profit. There are over 11,000 students enrolled and over 50,000 employees on the 675-acre center. More than 4.3 million patients visit the Medical Center annually.
Immediately east of the campus is Hermann Park, Houston's first public park. In addition to picnic areas, a reflecting pool, a miniature train, and a golf course, the park includes the Houston Zoo, Japanese Gardens, Miller Outdoor Theater, Carruth Playground for All Children, and Rose Garden and Garden Center.
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.
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.
Last updated 20 February 1998.