The novel title complex, {2,2'-[N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl-methyl-kappaN)-1,3-propanediyldinitrilo-kappa2N,N'-methyl-ene]diphenolato-kappa2O,O'}oxovanadium(IV) hemihydrate, [VO(bbmppn)], [VO(C24H27N3O2)].0.5H2O, has been synthesized and its structure determined. The coordination environment around the VO2+ group is defined by two phenolate 0 and two amine N atoms in the equatorial plane, where atoms of the same type occupy cis positions with respect to one another. The pyridyl N atom of the pentadentate ligand, in a trans position with respect to the terminal oxo group, completes the coordination sphere.