Lone diver! Mark Wahlberg suits up to swim in a massive 1.5 million-gallon aquarium during unveiling attended by two former US presidents

Published: 17:53 GMT, 21 September 2017 | Updated: 18:48 GMT, 21 September 2017

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He was recently named the world's highest-paid actor in Forbes magazine's annual list by earning an estimated $68 million in 2017.

But the Hollywood heavy hitter was brought right back down to earth as he squeezed into a wetsuit to dive into an enormous aquarium in Missouri on Wednesday evening.

The 46-year-old actor jumped into the 1.5 million-gallon tank at the grand opening of the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield to the watching eyes of former presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush.

Mark Wahlberg squeezed into a wetsuit to dive into an enormous aquarium in Missouri on Wednesday evening at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium grand opening

Among a host of conservation enthusiasts in attendance, the star-studded event also featured appearances by Kevin Costner, Dale Earnhardt JR., Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan.

'I wanted to be one of the first to see what Johnny has built here,' the Lone Survivor star said to a group of reporters at the grand opening of the museum. 'He continues to outdo himself.

'The amount of vision and the time and the planning and the artistry that goes into something like this - it's masterful.'

'I can't wait until people from all over the world get to come and experience ... ' Mark Wahlberg said before jumping into the massive tank

The 350,000-square-foot facility was the brainchild of Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, and is attached to the Bass Pro's national headquarters near downtown Springfield.

'I can't wait until people from all over the world get to come and experience not only this museum and everything else that Bass Pro has built, but to enjoy Missouri, our great country and all the things that we have to offer,' Wahlberg said before taking a swim with the fishes.

Former presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush toured the grand facility that also features taxidermied animals among 4D wildlife galleries before speaking about Morris' dedication to conservation to the crowded room.

The 350,000-square-foot facility was the brainchild of Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops

Former president Jimmy Carter toured the facility on Wednesday night during the grand opening of Wonders of Wildlife

Former president George W. Bush joked with the audience at the grand opening ceremony

Before the ribbon cutting ceremony opening the new facility, Morris said, 'Make no mistake, what tonight is all about is celebrating the sportsman of this country, the anglers and the hunters.

'I come here myself tonight with the heart full of thanks.'

Mark recently signed on to star in the Paramount comedy Instant Family and recently wrapped filming All the Money in the World with Kevin Spacey and Michelle Williams, and Daddy's Home 2 with Will Ferrell.

Former president Jimmy Carter shared a few stories with attendees at the opening ceremony of the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

The 350,000-square-foot facility was the brainchild of Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, and is attached to the Bass Pro's national headquarters near downtown Springfield