Views of the Texas Medical Center
From even before its founding, up to the present day, the Texas Medical Center (TMC) has formed an important part of Houston's history. It has shaped the city's landscape, as well as its place in the world. Commercial photographers Frank Schlueter and Joseph Litterst captured images of Hermann Hospital, whose founding predates the modern Texas Medical Center. Later photographers would take to the skies to document the growing Texas Medical Center complex as Houston itself grew. Newspapers like the Houston Post and Houston Press also documented the Texas Medical Center's buildings and its place in Houston. The work of these and other photographers is preserved in HHRC's photography archives. In addition, HHRC's Oral History Collection includes interviews with leading figures who helped move the Texas Medical Center forward, while KHOU news reels provide further accounts and context. Let's take a look at some of the photographs and recordings in HHRC's archives that help tell the story of this important Houston institution.
Views of the Buildings
Hermann Hospital, approximately 1930
This image was produced by Houston's Litterst Commercial Photography Company. Hermann Hospital opened in 1925, well before the rest of the TMC.
Entrance and statue at Hermann Hospital, undated
Houston's Frank Schlueter captured this image of the entrance to Hermann Hospital.
Nurses Home at Hermann Hospital, November, 1941
The archives of the Houston Press provide this photo of the Nurses Home at Hermann Hospital.
"New Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas," approximately 1951
This image comes from HHRC's Postcard Collection. While the postcard itself is undated, this facility was "new" in 1951.
Baylor Medical School main entrance, undated
Also a part of HHRC's Postcard Collection, this image was taken by commercial photographer Jack Stiles. Baylor's TMC facility opened in 1947. HHRC also has a collection of photos by Stiles.
Medical Towers building at night
Commercial photographer Harper Leiper captured this image of the Medical Towers Building. The building, which added office capacity, was completed in 1957.
Aerial Views of the Texas Medical Center
Hermann Park esplanade, undated
Standing alone, Hermann Hospital is just visible in the background of this photograph looking southwest across the Hermann Park esplanade. It comes from the J. Milton Lawless Collection.
March 22, 1949
Directing the viewer's attention northeast, this aerial photograph shows the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, and the Shamrock Hotel. It was taken by Robert L. Browning.
April 6, 1949, Northeast View
Browning shot this aerial view of Texas Medical Center buildings, looking northeast towards Rice University.
April 6, 1949, Southwest View
On the same flight, Browning also captured this aerial view of the Texas Medical Center buildings looking southwest.
1950s
This aerial photograph from the Leopold Meyer Papers shows the Texas Medical Center, including the Prudential Building under construction. Meyer was President of Texas Children’s Hospital from 1952 to 1972.
Undated
Returning to this frequent subject, the Houston Post also provides this aerial view of the Texas Medical Center.
1963
Besides the medical facilities themselves, the Texas Medical Center has also had an impact on Houston's larger built environment. This Houston Post photograph shows the Fannin Street Bridge over Brays Bayou.